@Kendall-DM
In most cases, I agree on the in-game "realistic" manner which people choose their classes. However, when it comes to building potentially theoretical characters, some of the builds go beyond 5 classes. Here's an example of a pirate I was making the other day (for S&G's).
A fighter wants to redeem what he's done in the past and goes the path of the monk. After a short time, he feels that the monk's way wasn't for him and he takes to a life on the streets. After some time, he finds his way to a pirate ship where he feels best at home. From there, he starts to make a name for himself. Then he gets his own ship and captains it to become a fierce and ruthless name of the seas.
Level progression: Fighter (2), Monk (1, ex-member), Rogue (3), Pirate (2), Scarlet Corsair (2), Dread Pirate (10).
Granted I do a lot of min/max work, it's nice to just fiddle with the numbers until I get an idea for a character/campaign. Sometimes, the really unique character concepts catch my eye and it may take more than 5 classes to complete it. For example, what if this was in fact a kobold?
Anyways, just wondering. Thanks for the reply,
-S