OT: D&D and multi-classing.

[Fyron]

And I may want to role-play a dwarven cleric/druid without being penalized.

Then keep the levels of each class within 4 levels of each other, no penalty at all.

Multi-classing is still limited except for some specialized purposes.

The goal is to create an interesting character, not to tweak out the most powerful character you possibly can... being more diverse and flexible can definitely be a plus. This is why they have classes such as ranger and bard...

Plus, why should I be penalized if I don't want to?

Because there are rules... I don't want to be penalized in spell-casting from wearing heavy armor, but it still happens... And again, you don't have to be penalized. Just keep the levels within 4 difference.