I wouldn't want to use the variant in a normal setting for sure, but it makes the game playable in a low magic setting. If we weren't using the variant, we just... wouldn't have any bonuses at all and would be gimped for our level.<br/><br/>And there's always mundane items for skill bonuses (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/goods-and-services/tools-kits#TOC-Tool-Masterwork). Masterwork tool of +2 competance bonus to any skill is 50 gold. I would have grabbed more myself, but guns are expensive. I probably should get some sort of... stealth outfit for +2 to stealth in wilderness though.