I played around with a spellsword style character early on. I liked the balance of long range casting and short range skull busting.

I started over around level 35 and started playing a ranger-esque character. No magic at all. Been enjoying this character just as much, if not more.

Play around with the character. You could always "bank" your perks for the first 5-10 levels if you really want to maintain some flexibility and avoid a "redo".

I didn't mind restarting, so I was taking perks as I went along to help build my characters.

I'm a "veteran" gamer too, going back to the original TES PC game and a few before that.

Skyrim does a pretty good job of being "open" architecture with respect to characters.

In order to activate their dialogue you have to strike them or one of their mammoths with your sword though.

Yes this first character will be a learning experience. As said only up to level 4 after last night's session... I spent the perks in Destruction and Restoration for the same reason... to help build the character.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do it... and the perks really appear to help in the beginning.