I distinctly remember opening chests without needing lockpicks a few months ago, but i could be wrong.
In any event, it is a pointless mechanic that adds nothing of value to the game.
Sure, it is not hard getting lockpicks, but it is also not fun or challenging. It is make work for the sake of make work.
To an extent. Though remember that a game needs to balance verisimilitude and involvement AGAINST direct gameplay and ease of use.
You cannot suggest it adds nothing to the game. You can only suggest that it improves the game more than it limits it.
