There are a number of threads proposing a "bump" in skill points, either by 2 at every even level, or 1 per level in a favored class, or even a blanket demand for 4/level minimum. Obviously, the easiest "fix" for too few skill points is to play a human (for 3 skill points/level). That, coupled with the combined skills, +3 effective ranks for every class skill past the 2nd you take, and double "bang for your buck" when taking x-class skills, makes a base 2/level class far more skilled than it would first appear. Combining Climb and Swim (and possibly Jump) into Athletics saves most Fighter-types a skill or two as well, and is a step I completely endorse for that reason.
But that leaves non-humans with 2/level. What if they each got an extra skill point/level, but it could be spent only on "racial skills" (kind of like class skills)? This allows for more skilled characters, but puts a limitation on it.
Elves: Perception, Knowledge (nature), Spellcraft, Survival
Dwarves: Craft (any), Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (engineering), Profession (mining)
Half-Orcs: Athletics (climb/swim/jump?), Intimidation, Knowledge (dungeoneering), Survival
Halflings: Acrobatics, Diplomacy, Perform, Stealth
Gnomes: Craft (any), Perception, Knowledge (nature), etc.
(etc.)
Humans and half-elves would have Racial Skills: Any.
This also has the effect of making race a little bit more important than a "darkvision or low-light vision?" decision. The rogue could also then be reduced to 6/level (if necessary) without too much hindrance, because so many skills are class skills for them, and because elf rogues could use their racial skill for Perception.