@Lane you need to look at #13thAge
That system uses the natural d20 roll to see which flexible powers potentially activate on an attack roll (for example Bards can choose the battle cries of Move It, which activates on an even attack roll, and Pull It Together which activates on an 11+, so on a roll of 14 the Bard could chose so do either one, but on a 7 she can’t activate either)
1/2
@Lane for Monsters, the attack roll is kind of a program - you define what a basic hit does but maybe also what some types of Miss do, or what extra bonuses come from some rolls.
The Orc Archer, if it misses a bowshot on a 1-5 they get another attack. If that attack misses they take 1d6 damage and break their bow in a spasm of frustrated rage.
It’s a great way to reduce GM cognitive load
@Lane I realize this still uses the d20 as a success roll (which doesn't reduce your swingyness issue) but it has that roll count for an awful lot more, which to me makes it really helpful.
In my current #Dungeon23 #DnDBasic mods I'm beefing up fighters with abilities that activate on a 1-6 roll in combat. Fighters very seldom just miss; they didn't hit because they were doing something else, like boosting an ally's AC or improving next round party initiative. It reduces the feel of swing.
Spinner
Brian Rogers