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Numbers numbers numbers... Little pains in the arse.
Okay, first, I'd like to say that both approaches work in different circumstances (which, hopefully, everyone's already gleaned from the ramblings before my own). A lot of it comes down to the effect you want to achieve...
Strategy can be achieved both ways. With numbers and formulae, you can get a lot of precision, and very clear conceptualizations of what's going on, what's the best bet, etc... Without numbers, but with a fairly logical system, you can get a similar long term effect, emphasizing instead creative thinking over numerical effects (rather than emphasizing that weapon x does y damage, emphasize that weapon x sets things on fire too, and weapon z makes them really cold, etc).
RP-encouraged/enforced can be achieved both ways. With numbers, people can more easily control where they're going, character-wise, and thus end up more along the lines of what they want to RP, with more of what they want in terms of character development (for example, one could avoid such wonderful mishaps as reading a book, thinking it would improve intelligence, and instead finding yourself stronger than King Kong). Without numbers, and, in this case, definitely without formulae, you increase immersion and, if you enforce roleplay closely enough, can dramatically cut down on hack'n'slash tendencies ("Hey, running the giants for the thirty-eighth time, trying to max experience gain, even though they're your guild's allies? Smite.")
Etc...
It really comes down to a) what you like, b) what your players like, and c) what your target players like. You can make things work either way.
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