[for DM] What's the consensus about coward characters?

[Telok]

Our experiences differ. The target numbers in 5e D&D in my experience are low enough that even someone with a +1 modifier can meaningfully contribute most of the time...

And Shadowrun (likely earlier editions) was an example I'd heard (but never played) of one where you need a...

... A forum/internet meta has evolved around super specialized characters, but its similar to the D&D 5e "has to have expertise & reliable talent & buffs to hit the base skill DCs" thing. So, the internet meta is basically only true if the GM is upping difficulty to match the PCs with the higest numbers...

So basically you totally agree with me.