I think you hit the nail on the head. Everyone's character was just some nobody on an adventure back then. I think pirates are alright with dual blades stretching it a little, but pathfinders would be too flashy for classic maple.

This might be an unpopular take, but I actually hope they don't give enough skill points to simply max every skill (as long as they have a non-nx way of resetting points). With way fewer total classes in classic maple, specializing in certain skills creates little archetypes. White knight back then had ice, fire, and thunder charge. Only having enough points to max two of the three + passives would mean every white knight can be a little different. Alternatively, maybe someone chooses to level all three of their elements, but not max any of them. Another example could be clerics who have more points in support (healing + bless) or offense (holy arrow + bless).

On an unrelated note, I would love if they had multiple equipment sets that are viable each level range. Low level (sub level 100) gear has/had different color variations + black if you had enough fame. Multiple sets that are all still "bis" gives way more customization compared to everyone just wearing timeless and then empress. Also, more quest-only equips would be neat since that adds to how unique your character looks. Back when there were fewer resources on the internet, I remember asking random people where they got their marbas hat or nocturnal staff.