Major D20 Combat Change: Suggestions?

[Aus_Snow]

I thought about changing the system, but its just like with video games, when you get more realistic there's more rules on what you can do and what you can't do and then eventually people start to get mad they're dying all of the time. Realism can be fun, but role playing seems to be more about escapism.

(emphasis mine)

I'd say, by and large, you're probably right. But there are always exceptions to rules like that. Maybe more than you'd assume, in this instance.

Also, of course, it doesn't have to be a zero-sum deal.

And, as a data point of potential interest, I happen to much prefer more gritty - and yes, realistic - CRPGs. Or, as is more often the case, CRPGs modded to hell and gone, so that I can enjoy playing them. Hm, that reminds me of another hobby of mine, actually. . .