Passive perception checks

[Dragoslav]

First of all, I miss passive perception/insight from 4e. Anyway, the playtest packet suggests that the DM can roll for the party's passive trap-detection, which is an okay idea but requires a lot more die-rolling. Besides which, the fighter and the rogue have a +5 and a +2 to detect traps (trained in perception and trapfinding, respectively), so just on a 10 the fighter, at least, can detect almost any trap. Maybe this in itself isn't problematic, but then if you have the other 3 party members making passive perception checks, too, it seems like traps will almost never go unnoticed.

So here are some ideas I'm considering:

1) Assign a higher DC for passive checks, as suggested in the playtest packet. They don't give any suggestions for HOW MUCH higher, but I think the best way to do this would be to give a flat +X to the DC for all passive checks to reduce the arbitrariness and simplify things.
2) Give disadvantage on die rolls for passive perception. This requires more rolling, but takes advantage of the wonderful disadvantage mechanic.
3) Only allow passive perception for characters trained in relevant skills (perception, trapfinding, lie-detecting, whatever...).

What do you think? How have you been handling this?

 

[Abstruse]

Here's what options I'd suggest:

1. Use Attribute-5 like an "Automatic success" from the DM packet, but no skill training. Option: Only allow this for training (assumption is if you're not trained to look for danger/traps, you'll be oblivious, like the various YouTube videos like "count the blue shirts" or whatever).

2. Make rolls behind the screen.

3. Make one roll behind the scene and use that until some "event" happens, but only if the player says so.

4. Don't let them actively roll at all, only ask them to roll if they're about to set off a trap or get ambushed or something like that, as a gut reaction right before the event. "No, don't step there!" as the foot's an inch over the trigger plate, or "Get down!" right before the crossbows go off. Basically makes perception/detect traps/etc. a sort of Wisdom Save for noticing something. If you do this and it's a "Dex Save for half damage" sort of trap, I'd use one or the other but not both.

 

[Tovec]

It depends how passive. If they are "being careful" and semi-passively checking for traps - as opposed to searching every 10 foot square for example - then I have no problem giving them 10.

If it is an "oh a trap" moment then I think something like a 5 is more appropriate. If there is no reason to expect a trap then it should be a last minute glance that will spot something as opposed to giving them 10.

Compare this to the strength checks to break a door. A 10 represents the fighter's ability to just muscle the door off its hinges (or w/e) and break it.
A 5 might be something like him falling back against a secret door-wall and breaking it open.

Just a though but it feels like sometimes taking 10 is too high.