Let me make an analogy. You have combat skills, yes? Unless it is a once per combat skill, you can use those multiple times in combat. They are on timers. Same concept as what I am proposing, except a longer timer.
I disagree with your comparison. Because a game mechanic work one way doesn't make it mandatory for every mechanic to work the same way.
It makes you think about whether or not you should try to steal. Maybe I am wrong but you can still cancel your attempt and try later if you feel not skilled enough.
Also, the crime thing is fine to me but I wish they would also talk to NPC. So you could try to sell stolen good to and NPC how then would get arrested because he has stolen items. Or some NPC would refuse to buy stolen items so you would have to go to a black market.
I mean I think the current system is fine but I would like tiny bit more depth.
