Yes, there have been few thread about this already.
And yes, once again I agree, I think any modern RPG should go for a "goal-based" reward system rather than giving exp on single kills/actions.
Basically, assign exp to "solving an encounter" in general or reaching a certain goal (which does not need to be anything major. Even finding a secret or getting rid of someone specific can count as "goal", if a minor and optional one).
And of course, it's perfectly fine to have a specific solution pay more if it's blatantly better than the other two-three options for the same goal.
As a virtuous example of a game that shown everyone how well this type of system can work, I always think of Vampire Bloodlines.
