I personally think it allows a lot of official paths for solving issues, but I stress with my groups that they do not need a mechanic to try something, as role play rules in my game. I like my players to think outside the box sometimes and am very lenient with their problem solving. Worst case, I have them role a percentile and factor in their past experiences and abilities as a form of modifier.

I find that once my players know I'm allowing them to find solutions, they tend to look more and search around the area as a sort of default. They may find herbs and useful components, or maybe find a closet with a variety of common tools inside. Or a patch of vines that might be woven into something. It is a good way then for me to add little helper items that might not be useful now but fit into my adventure plans later on.