In my homebrew game, I have been adding in fighter special abilities, pretty much like 3e feats. It is not easy designing spells, feats, powers, etc.. One issue I always encounter is any power that just gives the player the ability to do damage is always going to trump other powers. Same thing happens in D&D. Players will pick Magic Missile, Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Delayed Blast Fireball above other choices. In 3.5e, fighters will pick Cleave and Power Attack. Same thing for defensive powers. If it just gives you more hit points or increases your AC, they will pick those powers. They will pick Toughness. Now, I know people who sit down with spreadsheets and munchkin their characters will not pick Toughness, but the general player will because you do not have to think! And it grants an easy mechanical bonus. Especially have getting to level 3. Same thing happens in video games. It is one of the reasons people do not use potions and prefer rings and armor. Sort of a lazy boost to their character without having to do much. The problem is, if you try to wipe out all of the easy mechanical boosting powers, you are left with some weird powers.