Congratulation about Niece
About original Topic. If he want you he will call you. otherwise It's only playing Good Uncle Ben for the rest of the Party.
I also agree about creating a Hero. The character you want, without any Mechanical minuses.
The GM is the world. He can ALWAYS call bigger and stronger opponent to the table. Of course I(Player) have responsibility to the Game like GM but I never understand to not allowing Players playing what they want. When I'm em GM I can handle Artificer+Erudite+Druid in team. No problem.
If other party member, buy their choice, are weaken then I=GM will ask you alone thou you have any against giving Grimuar of Constitutian to barbarian... or Bow=Artifact to the Mystic archer. All that so they have something to have Fun. Why taking Good player down when GM should pushing bad players up? Other make a appointment and disgust witch players how they can by more powerful.
For my now problem witch total Retraining character. Loosing the Rogue Lvl for Cleric or Cleric to Rogue...
They are many option for GM to make weaker player stronger.
Item, Gift from God, Special Tattoo, Dragonmark(From eberron) Template, Grimuar... Unique elixir that grand special power.... The legendary Mentor ho teach one of them Extra Feat... or Manoeuvre.
Why GM almost always chose to take down Good player? (I meant powerful) Ho just try and give allot from himself?