We must be very Canadian, because at our table, people co-operated in creating characters that filled niches, and worked their chosen traits in with a degree of anticipation that is only enhanced by the fact that what they will mean "mechanically" is a mystery.
And again, players are co-operative with regards to alignment as well. Most of the beefs I hear here have to do with players not really entering into the spirit of this specific adventure path. There do seem to be a number of others people can play that should cater to a wider range of tastes.