I've been using Con score plus max HD at first level, and arcana evolved style dying and death. I've also been using reserve HP from Iron heroes since it came out. Been doing this in 3.5 for quite a while.
Just recently I started using BOXM health and grace, and it also has the same death and dying rules.
I prefer methods like these because the PCs can last a bit longer or you can throw bigger fights at them. Aside from that I'm also in agroup that rarely has a healer, more HP is vital for the group to survive.
