Imp sorcerer, pf.

[Duke of URL]

In any case, the rules serve the GM, not the other way around. Any GM who's willing to let you play as a dragon in a mixed party should be prepared to deal with balance issues.

True. On the other hand, the rules should simply state that there is no provision for playing "monster PCs" instead of offering a laughable "system" along with dire admonitions.

Either the rules allow for it, or they don't. If they allow for it, specify it. If they don't, then don't provide "guidelines" that clearly don't work well.

As "penalizing" as stock 3.5 is for high-ECL races, at least there is a relatively consistent mechanism.

Yes, you could play a classless wyrmling white dragon at ECL2, getting 3d12 HD, a 2d4 cold damage breath, 60ft speed, 30 burrow, 60 swim, a bite doing 1d4, 2 claws doing 1d3 each, 100ft fly, Icewalking, and a cold subtype.

Of course, the +2 CON, -4 INT, -4 CHA does tend to restrict one to the more martial classes. (In 3.5., I'd be thinking Swordsage...) Although Druid or Cleric isn't out of the question, either.