What if we added a second ability tab?
Let's say we have 10k learning points to invest.
In Ability 1, we would spend everything to max out exploration, and in Ability 2, we would allocate all the points to carpentry or unarmed combat, for example.
We could implement a system that allows players to switch between these abilities once an hour (or even more frequently) but only outside of combat.
This would certainly help maintain a fair balance for weaker players, as they wouldn't feel compelled to create multiple characters just to develop all aspects of the game.