I think Devin is suggesting that by not spending, say 150 or 200 survival points from character creation that you could get to a 5 stat relatively early in your adventuring career. If my understanding of the issue is accurate, then I submit that this is not a problem. The benefit of going from a 4 attribute to a 5 is, in my opinion, not as important as the opportunity cost. In order to do that, you give up having a significant number of skill ranks and/or talents. And those forgone skills and talents are worth more, in my opinion, than the extra die or higher limit that you get from having a 5 attribute.
I wouldn't worry about it. I don't see it as abusive or broken. In fact, I think it sets you back on the power curve. The opportunity cost of a 5 attribute (like the rent) is just too d@#^ high.
Scott
(wonders if anyone will get the reference.)