In 5e, there is the concept of auto-success. Why would a player want to initiate an ability check when those rolls, per the DMG, come with a meaningful consequence of failure? Just assume auto-success to your declared actions unless the DM decides to adjudicate otherwise.
I think
@Parmandur has the right of it. Some people bring playstyles/procedures/assumptions from older versions of the game into their 5e game. And, while that works well for some tables, others lay blame on 5e for those same procedures creating a... suboptimal... play experience at their table.