I think that a lot of MAD/SAD problems can essentially be solved during character creation by talking to your DM. Instead of rolling dice, just figure out what you want your character to be. Compare its power level to the power levels of other players. Then peg your stats at whatever numbers make the most sense given your build and the relative power level of your party. If your party is weak and you want to play a Wizard, then your stats should be low. If your party is strong and you want to play a Monk, then your stats can be all high.