Racial HD counting towards ECL. What?!

[Jergmo]

Ogres as characters:
+10 Str
-2 Dex
+4 Con
-4 Int
-4 Chr

That's the modifiers for stats. While wis does not get a modifier, that strength more than makes up for it.
Seriously, that's an 18 strength without putting a single point into that stat. Points that can go into the other stats....
With a +5 AC bonus, +3 bab, two feats of your choice, +10 speed, 10 ft reach, proficiency with simple and martial weapons, light and medium armor, and shields?

You...don't seem to get what I'm getting at. Not all ogres should be fighters or barbarians. What sense does that make? Where are their spiritual leaders/etc?

They do? Why not play up your strengths and go with a more combat oriented caster, rather than trying to play as a fullcaster? I mean, you don't take 4 levels in fighter (or barbarian or <insert combat class here>) and then complain that taking the next 16 levels in cleric (or insert caster of choice here) is going to leave you weaker [at spellcasting] than a full caster. That's just silly...

...Read above.