Generic classes character help

[Crocodactyl]

So basically, I just did the first session of a low magic game based on generic classes, from Unearthed Arcana. I was greatly discouraged against optimizing by the DM and my fellow players. My character used a tower shield, full plate, and a flail, and tried to specialize in tripping and maximizing AC in hope that I could eventually be a good defender. I was destroyed in the first encounter with a group of low level NPC class warriors, partially because I got 3 natural 1s (with fumble rules) and the guy I was fighting got 4 crits in a row (the DM used a screen, but I think he may have faked some of them in frustration at being unable to hit me for the first 2 or 3 rounds due to my nearly 30 AC), but mostly because my character was just poorly built. The DM says we "just needed to do more damage." Anyways, I need a new character.

It is a very low magic setting, meaning no spellcasting or magical abilities are available to players except through magic items, which we do not start with and have been assured that they are going to be rare.We have to be human and use either the Warrior or Expert classes from Generic classes. Class features other than those listed as options are available at the levels at which they would normally be acquired. Starting level is 4, with 2,000 gp worth of mundane gear. I can use all WoTC 3.5 books. It's a 32 point buy, but I can't have Str or Dex over 16 (17 with levels) and I am under a lot of pressure to keep positive modifiers on my mental abilities, particularly Intelligence, but not use "tricks like tripping". No TWF and Sneak attack preferably, since the rest of the party has that covered.

I don't need to be told to find a new DM. It's an experiment for all involved, and I'm willing to give it several more sessions. I'm not looking to destroy the game to get back at anyone for the bizarre limitations, I just want a viable build and starting point. Any suggestions?

[Urpriest]

If tripping is a "trick" then I don't see anything else working. Your DM is going to object to any attempt at optimization, so just do the juvenile free-association thing that some people mistake as flavor and storytelling.

[Randomguy]

What other roles are covered in your party already?

You can do either archery, fighting with a two handed weapon, mounted archery or mounted combat. You can also optimize handle animal and diplomacy, if you want.

For your stereotpical brute fighter, you'd specialise in dealing damage in combat. You'd be a single class warrior. Prioritise strength and con, with at least 12 dex, at most 8 cha and int taking priority over wis.
Get heavy armour proficiency as a feat, as well as power attack. Max out jump and get leap attack at level 6. Also get your choice of the cleave line (If you tend to face multiple mooks), and monkey grip. Possibly weapon focus as well.
Fair warning: This character would be useless out of combat.

You could also play a roguelike character: Be an expert, put high ranks in mental stats (Don't get more intelligence than you need to get all the skills you want, and take at least 13 dex for archery feats), max out diplomacy and put ranks in skills that give synergy bonuses to diplomacy, get other skills like: bluff, sleight of hand, forgery, listen, spot, hide and move silently. (Arranged from most to least important). You might want to also consider search and disable device if no one else in the group has those skills.
Take the zen archery (If your wis and at least 4 points higher than your dex, otherwise take weapon focus) and grab yourself a masterwork longbow and maybe some other archery feats to be useful in combat. Get good reflex and fortitude saves (Not much need for will saves if there aren't many casters.)
Get as much useful mundane stuff as you can carry: I like having a hidden pocket with a hacksaw in it to break out of prisons. Dungeonscape has all sorts of stuff cool mundane stuff. My other favourites are magnets with twine. Complete scoundrel has some good stuff too.

If bad luck is giving you trouble, you could get a bunch of luck feats. The ones I think seem good are lucky start and unbelievable luck. At level 6, you could get fortuitous strike and reroll attack or damage rolls.