This is don't work. My guess: it's for perks that you gain, but you can not to, at least for first 20 or whatever.
Passives are the big mechanic in the game that will add boosts towards lots of things. So yes, the more passives you get, the sluttier Karryn will get (depending which ones obviously). Accessories also add these same stat boosters, along with titles (some also say that they will help you get a passive easier if you equip it once). Certain edicts also aid towards boosting different things. You have to be very careful in combat if you're trying to avoid that, by using the triangle graph, when you go to do certain attacks it even says which ones it's for.
The combat edict tree will help a ton, it gives you more halberd damage, suit durability, boost in stats, when you get the other pre-requisites you can then get edicts that give you stronger attacks, counter moves, extra stamina, extra spirit, etc. etc.
It's all about choosing the playstyle that works best for you with that information. This game has an unusual playstyle rpg wise, but all rpgs where you can customize w/e characters, you have to choose the right skill tree, if you're going a certain build for that character.