[Autumn]

Does it really matter when everyone is going down by the same total number?

It varies just a little, some people lose a bunch of stats while others do not, its a build to build basis really, but also there are some builds in the game currently that just require too many stats to run effectively, anything running GUI (But not limited to) is a huge example of these, even VAs sometimes have trouble building.

Raising the stat per level total as I suggested in the OP would probably keep stats at the same value they are now, while setting everyone on a more fair playing field stat wise, as currently its just min maxing even more than pre-GR days with food buffs like Fugu Katsu, LEing multiple times to get even more stats so that your build doesn't just get stomped by people who just out-stat you.

Also again, with less stats going around, people will feel a lot less inclined to invest into STR or even CEL probably, as they will be so much harder to invest into while keeping your other more important stats relevant.

A point brought up earlier is that people might be annoyed going through each of their characters and reworking their stats, the only thing I'd be annoyed at is compensating some stats for other stats.

I would say it does matter quite a bit, I'd like to hear if you have any ideas too.