Hi,
You can still make a cleric with a +1 on dex theres no point in going higher then +1 for dex, as a cleric you would want heavy armor which only allows +1 AC from dex for full plate. Ive found more use to spread your points rater than start out with 1 stat at 18 and your other stats suffer. Even having a decent Int will help with skill points and with a little RP you can get a " ear" for additional languages if your Int is +1 or above.
weapon and Armor smithing takes strength and dex, even mining takes alot of strength to gather the ores and carry it out, and do decent damage to get the ores as most is absorbed while mining. Less damage while mining means you will be mining longer (power attack helps) which means spawns will be coming back before you mine it all.
Your biggest challenge will be getting anything past bronze. Iron is difficult to get by yourself, while platinum I fould is easier (for a lvl 18)
I believe brewing (cooking) uses wisdom (somone correct me if thats wrong) so this is pretty easy to go up in. Hitting lvl 8 is pretty easy in a short time. plenty of seeds around for brewing
You can buff yourself before crafting which is allowed which helps at lower levels. As a Barb you could only buff using Rage, (str, Con) while a cleric you would get spells. I dont have any clerics so correct me if I'm wrong but I think theres a few stat buff spells they dont get. You could buy rings and ammys for stat boost help to get started in crafting lower levels your not good at. Its expensive, but is an option.
Send me a PM if you have any other questions. looking forward to seeing you ingame.