This is a re-posting of the thread I posted in the Sorcerors and Wizards board.
Spellcraft represents the lore and mechanical knowledge of magic. Actual casting is about the practice of the proper movements and verbal recitation.
The current situation is like telling fighters to take Knowledge (military history) as a prerequisite to Weapon Specialization.
Therefore it would make roleplaying sense and it would ease the "skill point stress" of spellcasting classes to make "cast or lose" such as casting defensively or casting under distracting circumstances based on a caster level check (d20 + caster level + key ability modifier) instead of a Spellcraft check.
Sorcerors for example don't necessarily know how their magic works. The words and somatic gestures come naturally to them and so they practice their "art" every day, perfecting each syllable spoken and each wave of the hand so that they can cast their spells more easily.
Training in Spellcraft could still give a synergy bonus or allow a synergy bonus feat to casting checks.
If this change makes the players happy (not being pressured to take Spellcraft), then perhaps it should be done. Does it? Players post your replies so we can find out.
(Let's not forget to re-word the Combat Casting feat if this is done.)
