Thanks. :)
Nothing like actually trying it out to test a "This is really all you need" theory.

I enjoyed reading this topic, even though I haven't actually played this game. (Unlike many people, I'm not spoiler sensitive; in fact, I actually learning about the game before playing it.)

It sounds like unarmed combat is actually really good in this game (assuming you put skill points into it). Is that correct?

Anyway, here are another couple of challenges to try:
1. Pure mage: Don't put any skill points into combat or weapon skills, and don't use any physical attacks; all fighting must be done with magic. Also, try to avoid putting points into non-magical skills, especially if the skill can be replaced with magic. (Of course, the skills that help with spellcasting should get points here.)
2. Pacifist: Beat the game without killing anyone or anything, or if not possible, beat the game with the minimum number of kills possible.

Also, if the game allows you to attack arbitrary NPCs (like the main Ultima series), another thing to try would be this:
3. Genocide: Kill every killable character, then beat the game. (Note that, if you do this challenge for Ultima 6 or 7, casting Armageddon doesn't count.)