I know a glitch that allows you to set your attributes pretty much wherever you wish… :)
I'm working on the dwarven storyline. I've completed the elves, mage tower, Arl Eamon, Urn of Sacred Ashes, and some DLC quests. I think all I have left, with the exception of some of the NPC side quests, is the dwarven storyline and then the Landsmeet.
As for min-maxing, it really depends on your group make-up. Which characters are you using and how do you want to use them? For example: my main is a 2HD Champion/Templar, Alistair is sword & board Templar/Berserker (I think), Leiliana is an archer Bard/Ranger (animal companions are actually pretty cool) and Wynne is my Spirit Healer/Arcane Warrior (AW for added defensibility). I have found this party combination is slightly challenging because I don't have a whole lot of AoE, which is extremely useful in so many places. Once you figure out how/where you want your characters to go, I can give you more specific advice.
On a side note, don't completely forget about any of your NPCs. They will actually be used, at least with whatever gear they have, later on in the storyline.
~Ray