For crafting especially, I think the take 10 rule is the way to go. A lot of the problem is we use a single skill check to represent a 6 second thing and a 2 day activity. Realistically 2 days of smithing should be tons of checks.
So the better way is just to take 10. Then even a +2 to DC can be a big deal. The difference between a DC 14 sword and a DC 16 sword is a really big deal.
So the better way is just to take 10. Then even a +2 to DC can be a big deal. The difference between a DC 14 sword and a DC 16 sword is a really big deal.