First, you have to keep skill points.
While I like the cleaned up spell list, I think there should be a way to specialize in specific aspects of a skill. What if a character takes ranks in diplomacy but wants to specialize in bartering? Why not allow the character to buy a specialization for 2 skill points to receive a +5 circumstance bonus on that skill in the specialized situation? This could be applied to other skills as well. For instance, Appraise (gemstones), Theft (pick pockets), Perception (spot), etc.
Of course, you could only specialize in skill that are class skills.
Opinions?