Shaman questions

[Curmudgen]

Hey guys it's me again, this time some questions on shaman.

Thinking about starting one and wondering to get opinions on why you chose the race you did. I am trying to flesh out main pick differences.

Barbarian- liked in cities, ok stats. Anyhing else?

Ogre- no frontal stun ( is that really super handy or not?), good starting stats, evil ( does it make travel and any good shaman quests difficult? Like paw or such?)

Troll- good stats, regeneration( does that make a huge difference with cana?), evil ( same questions as ogre), snare necklace ( is that in game?)

I know the prevailing and wisest answer is to play what you like but did anyone make a decision based on the exp penalties?

I do like the idea of NOT having to deal with research for spells.