according to my understanding of your problem, my suggestion is the following:
select the limbs from the character, such as arms , legs, head and also the torso.
on each selection put a Poly select modifier
on top of each Poly select (with the corresponding points selected) place an FFD 2x2x2 ( or 3x3x3 or (box) or (cyl), keep it simple )
adjust each FFD's control points according to your needs
when you are satisfied with limbs sizes you can (if you like) collapse To or All
Hpoe this helps you
e-l@driSent from: Villa Devoto (que es un jardín), CABA, Argentina