It was a bit of a good glitch, yea. XD Basically, I guess if you import a character into Awakening while they are wearing armor that the expansion does not support, the game will replace it, but forget to take off the bonuses. So, basically, the defense they have from the armor stays there, and any armor they wear in Awakening adds to it. Wear the strongest armor from both games... and you have a character that is just about impossible to kill. But, going to try to avoid it next play through. XD
Oh, yea, that would be a pain. XD I've luckily had no glitches like that, though I did have a glitch that let me keep Wynne, even though I did something that should have put her at crisis. (It was for an achievement.)
Heh, I am hoping for his return as well. I'd definitely say Alistair is my favorite of all romance options.
Also, welcome!
I actually am a bit excited, even for the new setting. Seeing what Orlais is like could be very interesting, much as I like Ferelden.