I think a happy middle ground would be for characters to automatically pass skill checks if their character level + proficiency bonus + ability modifier is greater than or equal to twice the magnitude of the skill check. Equation:
Auto success when [Character level + proficiency bonus + ability modifer] > or = [Skill check x 2]
This way, at max level (12) with 18 in a primary stat (+4 modifier) and also with that skills proficiency (+4 modifier), a character will automatically pass skill checks of 10 or lower.
This would help develop the feeling of proficiency the character has by streamlining certain interactions (no roll required) and avoiding those frustrating critical failures on low skill checks, while at the same time maintaining the difficulty level of higher skill checks.
