[AlexanderHowl]

Sorry, I meant in the field. If we are talking about point efficiency though, which is generally the metric by which GURPS measures most characters, a specialist is usually going to be worse off than a generalist. It would be different if skills really did cross multiple attributes...

Let us examine an IQ 10 individual with Physics (VH) IQ+10 [48]. At that level, they are quite skilled, if not terribly brilliant physicists. They will never get a Noble Prize though because they lack the ability to play the academic or research game. While they can do research on 'book learning' (the established literature) in Physics at a default of 18, meaning that they are a good research assistant, they are horrible at teaching classes, writing up grants and research, and at interviewing for jobs. In order to be equally good in all of those areas, they must have Diplomacy-20 [44], Fast-Talk-20 [40], Teaching-20 [40], and Writing-20 [40], for a total of 172 CP.

Let us examine an IQ 20 individual in the same situation. They can sell back four levels of Will and Per, take Absent-Mindedness, and each of the skills at IQ, and they will spend a total of 163 CP. They will spend much less points and be much more effective characters. If you want further amusement, give them Clueless and Appearance (Very Handsome/Beautiful), for a total of 169 CP, to create the stereotypical hot professor who finds herself or himself accidentally in situations with students where they have to use their Diplomacy and Fast-Talk to avoid trouble...