For my characters I usually plan much of the character through Tier V. My concepts inevitably want more Talents, Spells or Techniques than I can cram into advancement even in Tier V, so sorting out what's important early helps. For Paths I like to see where I've got flexibility and what prereqs I'm going to need. Of course, things change.
Vincens' original path progression was:
Tier I: Spontaneously Awakened Psion
Tier II: Grand Master of the Dagger
Tier III: Grand Master of the Dagger
Tier IV: Assassin
Tier V: Assassin
He was planned as a Martial two weapon fighter often relying on Shadow Manipulation to generate daggers. Nice and tight, low Charisma (2) with background and stories as to why. A fun build. Then Arcanicon and other things happened.
So, he now dual weilds a gladius and a short sword. He wasn't even proficient with short sword before Arcanicon. Paths?
Tier I: Spontaneously Awakened Psion
Tier II: Sword Saint (and took rudimentary prayers)
Tier III: Sword Sage
Tier IV: Sword Sage
Tier V: Path? No idea, however DSC I. Yeah, didn't see that one coming and planned against it with the 2 Charisma. But it's what makes sense now.
Current options to put in Tier V would be Assassin, Centurion, Grand Master, Myrmidon or Seasoned Veteran. At this point I'm not convinced he'll still be the same character by the time I get there though.
With a sweep of his hat,
Paul