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After completing the different parts in their own I'm thinking on a custom party which can complete the whole story at the highest difficulty level. I'm trying to form a group with all types of fighting strategies.

I've already realized that dual- and multiclasses are the most effective. Ranger/Clerics for priest spells, Fighter/Thieves for backstabbing (multi or maybe dualled Assassin/Fighter). This one can't be enough for all thieving skills, the solution must be a Swashbuckler/Mage. On the other hand, in BGI only single classes level up fast, so I recommend dualling in the beginning of BGII. If you did it too late your character would have to wait for a long time to regain the first class.

In my opinion all (good) parties need a sort of Paladin (A) to use Carsomyr and to have somebody with high Reputation, a Swashbuckler/Mage (B), a Ranger/Cleric (C) and some kind of Dwarf (D) because of the Dwarven Thrower. This can be a second Warrior (Barbarian or Berserker) or a Fighter/Thief to backstab. I think a backstabber is a must, if you don't like the Dwarf have somebody else.

In BGI you will need a (specialist ?) Mage (E), who can be dualled to Fighter in BGII to use bows. His low level spells are useful only in special cases when lots or mage power are necessary. With the third mage-like character (F) I have three versions.

1. Choose an Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief, who backstabs. Dual the Ranger as soon as possible to Cleric (at level 2) because he'll be the only priest. The Dwarf is Berserker or Barbarian. This version is the weakest in magic, but has two single-class Warriors.

2. The Dwarf is a Fighter/Thief, the Ranger/Cleric is made after reaching level 2. The mage can be everyting you want, for example: Kensai/Mage, Berserker/Mage or Sorceror.

3. You want a higher level Ranger, who is dualled only in BGII to Cleric. In this case
you need a Cleric in BGI, who is dualled to Mage only after making the Ranger/Cleric. The Dwarf must be Fighter/Thief for backstabbing. If you don't want to backstab with a high multiplier, the Dwarf can be a Warrior again, but for scouting you use a Stalker/Cleric.

To sum these up, in the first part you have:

1. a Paladin
2. a Thief (Swashbuckler/Mage)
3. a Ranger or Ranger/Cleric
4. a Dwarf Fighter or Fighter/Thief
5. a specialist Mage (Mage/Fighter)
6. a second Mage, a Cleric, a Fighter (all .../Mage) or an Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief

Good grief! I see so many "perfect-party" lists all over the place that I tear my hair out whenever someone gives their two cents.

Anyway, for a generalised approached, you need a party that is versatile overall, but with each member specialised (no jack-of-all-trades). Three warriors, an arcane spellcaster, a divine spellcaster (preferably cleric so you can resurrect) and a thief. I will not go deeper as my tortured brain would liquify and ooze out my ears.

Good grief! I see so many "perfect-party" lists all over the place that I tear my hair out whenever someone gives their two cents.

Can't argue with that. And every week, it seems that somebody posts a logically arrived at demonstration of the "perfect group." Problem is, there's no perfect group. Everybody has their own playing style, their own way of dealing with different challenges, their own order of quests, preferences for the placement of items, wands, potions, etc.

That's what I like about BG2. It's non-linearity, in many senses of the word.