In creating charcters with the pathfinder rules, I do like the streamlined skill system. Class skills get a +3 modifier; cross class skills don't. It's simple and gets you about where the old system probably did anyway.
But I feel constrained by the limited number of skills available at first level. I like a wide range of skills reflecting the character's history to date at first level. Therefore I propose the following change:
You get twice as many skills at first level as on the others.
Class skills get a +2 modifier.
You can put a number of ranks equal to your level+1 into a skill.
I think it widens the choices at first level, is still simple, and keeps the same limits as Jason's system. One downside is abuse by players seeking to get as many +2 modifiers as possible.
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I would suggest just adding a sidebar saying "At the DM option he can award all starting characters 5 points worth of "Background skill points" to reflect a characters history and upbringing.
I've been doing this for a few years (it's not always 5 points, but it's something). It works quite well.
Also, given the direction Paizo's Pathfinder products are going, I think Traits are going to be the vehicle for driving backstory into character stats.
-Skeld