Stats/Ranks vs. Bonus

[Spreg]

How do stat and rank increases from enhancive differ from increasing the bonus? I'm trying to decide whats best as far as enhancements for my paladin and not sure wether to increase the stat itself or the bonus. I know there are diminishing returns on the bonus at higher levels so is it better to get stats at lower levels? And as far as with ranks in certain skills how do the bonuses tie in to making it more effective?

[Izzy]

How do stat and rank increases from enhancive differ from increasing the bonus? I'm trying to decide whats best as far as enhancements for my paladin and not sure wether to increase the stat itself or the bonus. I know there are diminishing returns on the bonus at higher levels so is it better to get stats at lower levels? And as far as with ranks in certain skills how do the bonuses tie in to making it more effective?

Bonus is always better, on both accounts.

For stats, 5 strength bonus = 10 strength stat. But the bonus is what is used in relevant calculations (ranged rt reduction, physical AS, etc). Aura I think would be the only exception, because spirit is calculated on the stat.

For skills, after a certain point (140ish?) ranks=bonus anyway, and bonus enhancives are cheaper to recharge.

[Mtenda]

yes 140 or 40 ranks is the point of diminishing returns for skills