I missed it the first time around, but Noct was quick to catch the slip and point out this interesting comment from Nathan in this forum post:

Stats DO Rock. And I have a very strong feeling that Halo's development team, including Jason Jones, feels the same way. I mean - they really rock. But not in a way that makes wankers of everyone. If you know what I mean.

Stats, in the context of the thread, are player customizable attributes (such as speed, strength, etc.). Another level of player customizability? This is all hearsay, but if so, it would be a most welcome one.