Defaults; how do they work

[Anaraxes]

I imagine the bone of contention here is the +2 to Parry with Staff, and whether this counts as a "special defense" for purposes of this bit:

Originally Posted by B173

Regardless of your default skill level, you do not get the special benefits of a skill – especially combat bonuses such as improved damage, special defenses, and unpenalized off-hand use – when you use a skill at default. To enjoy these benefits, you must spend at least one point on the skill.

For other purposes, like just rolling to hit, there's no difference between "not having the skill, but having it at default N" and "having the skill at N".