Is it worth switching to 5e?

[onmyoji]

I gotcha. I didn't realize you were familiar with PF2. Your previous post read as if you might not have been. Sorry for the misinterpretation.

Re: the rising standard DC, the GM doesn't have to stick to that for every single calculable DC either. That's why there's the table of general skill check DCs based on the difficulty of what you're trying to do (https://pf2.d20pfsrd.com/rules/skills/ , scroll down), which has no bearing on how advanced the PC is.

The DC list you cited is specifically used for the level of the things the PCs are interacting with—like recalling knowledge about a creature with a level, or identifying spells based on their level. It's dependent on the level of the other thing, and thus also has no bearing on how advanced the PC is. I had an NPC use a spell that required this DC for the level of the highest character it was cast on, and with his modifier, he had no problem critically succeeding on the throw. Also, it says you "can" use level-based DCs for obstacles and tasks instead of the simple DC, but not that you have to.

Hero points can definitely be used as an RP mechanic. It's been a bit since I read the rulebook on them, but I'm pretty sure they note they should be awarded in such instances. In coming over to PF2 from 5E, it seemed that hero points were the exact equivalents of inspiration, except that you start with one each session. My GM hands them out for good roleplaying anyway, and in truth, any good GM/DM should.

— onmyoji