D&D 5E Inspiration wonkiness?

[iserith]

Hero Points, DMG page 264 might be a good option for you. A house-ruled version of it could see it replacing Inspiration and allowing players to earn back Hero Points in the same way they earn Inspiration now (through playing to traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws).

 

[Beleriphon]

If you wanted a good option (hero points are one) look to FATE for Fate Points. My favourite use of them is turning a failure into a success with cost. Heroes still get to be heroes and succeed but sometimes they end up making things more difficult for themselves.

 

[dd.stevenson]

I use inspiration in my (sigged) house rules that allow players to spend Inspiration to ask a question and get an honest answer.