It really should be a matter of preference not min/maxing

I agree that it should be a matter of preference...whatever you base your preferance on, that is, metagaming or not.

RP comes from how you play the character...some people take the racial card and use it, others don't. I can't say I think less of anyone who develops their character outside the confines of their race, just as I don't really think more of those who define their RP by their racial choice. It's just a tool, to take or leave.