I dont know, regarding the potion dilemma, I feel Tomasz could be wrong... Id think most people (possibly people that didnt played Witcher 1) didnt used potions cause they didnt bother, didnt want to waste time getting to know the system (how a mutagen can affect an upgrade, what ingredients do I need for crafing and so on), NOT because they were saving for the "tough fight" that eventually never comes.
Having said that, that is a real problem, as a long time RPG player, Im totally guilty of hoarding potions, as im sure many on this thread also are,
but I think I managed to overcome that somewhat, in my last Witcher 2 playthrugh.
Soorry for this ReptilEZ, couldnt resist.