Quote Originally Posted by JackPhoenix View Post
Because it's easier to link appearance with physical attributes, while mental capabilities are set entirely arbitrarily. Warcraft goblins are geniuses, Golarion goblins... not so much. But it's pretty unintuitive if 3'6" tall, 35 lb halfling can be just as strong as 7', 350 lb musclebound hulk of an orc (or whatever).
If the Orc has Powerful build then the halfling isn't as strong as them. They can make use of their strength to a similar effectiveness but a 10str orc can lift as much as a 20str halfing.

This is why I really like the Giff's Hippo Build. It makes them strong in every way except in combat. So a 10str Giff is equal to a 20str halfling in pretty much any way that matters. Honestly more races should have things like that. Like, if you want elves to be naturally dexterous giving them advantage or +1d4 or something to dex checks does way more for them than +2 dex.