I know that this can technically be done using cheats and mods, but would it be possible to develop an agreed upon ruleset for what is a mechanic in many games, but sadly not in this?

Maybe something like maxed stats/levels, but not equipment or trinity unlocks, etc. The unlocks could be what is normally obtained through level up and there could therefore be multiple stat distributions depending on which of the three weapons you chose and gave up at the beginning.

Not having abilities (such as glide) or trinities would still require you to progress to beat the game in a mostly linear way, but having significantly more strength it could change up a few strategies as well.