I really liked how an early version of DnD Next divorced the abilities from the skill lists, encouraging fun skill-attribute mashups.
— Alphastream (@Alphastream) June 1, 2017
Like to match skills with different abilities? See "Variant: Skills with Different Abilities" (PH, 175). That's how I use skills as DM. #DnD https://t.co/RZyW4wWDFW
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) June 1, 2017
The earlier model had amazing effects at my tables. Really encouraged creativity. I encourage you to use the variant. I've used it in all my games, including AL games, since the D&D Next playtest.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) June 1, 2017
One thing that makes the variant confusing for new players is the Skill list on the official character sheet. Feels wrong to break rule. That's why the ability abbreviations are gray in the skill box. They're suggestions, which were fueled by the playtest feedback at the time.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) June 1, 2017