You may think you should be doing stats evenly but no you shouldn't. For example go evenly with vitality, strength, and dexterity you'll be waiting around level 40's to use a lance. So with the items which add a lot of statistics you'll do fine. If you do want to max out strength and dex ok. If your looking to make your Barb an experience barb you should either max them out or get as least strength as possible.
Strength is the thing most needed on any character.
Yes strength does add damage to Barbs around 2 on maximum damage every stat point. Dexterity is both need for lances and swords. A lancer without negative requirements needs 80 dexterity and 110 strength. Dexterity adds to attack rating. This is the most needed most important thing a Barb needs.