So I want a gameplay overhaul of some sort, but have decided for reasons that SkyRe simply isn't going to cut it for me - namely compatibility issues with equipment mods I have installed that I don't feel like constantly having to repatch. I guess I should start with what I like about SkyRe...pretty much everything really, save its compatibility issues. It has the best alternative perk trees I've seen available, its combat module is clever and challenging. I'm still using the racial traits module because it doesn't conflict with anything. Well, there is one thing I'm dissatisfied with, and it's the one reason I'm not using the whole mod: the seemingly arbitrary changes to vanilla equipment stats. I mean, why boost weapons damage if you've boosted armor rating alongside it, and vice versa? Don't they sort of cancel each other out? I wish this aspect weren't tied to the main file, otherwise I'd have no problem installing it.

Anyway, I'm trying to find individual solutions to a lot of the good stuff that SkyRe brought to the table. I'm currently using Duel - Combat Realism and Locational Damage for combat mods, and I think I might settle with SPERG for a decent alternative to the crappy vanilla perk trees. As I said earlier I'm keeping the race module from SkyRe. Does anyone have any better suggestions?

I just started a new game with ERSO, and I'm totally digging it. It feels like Gothic in the lands of Skyrim

Sad, looks like ERSO was removed from the Nexus.

http://erkeilmods.altervista.org/skyrim/r-s-o/

ACE is like SkyRe in that it is really modular. And it doesn't alter armors from what I know. It does edit bows more extensively though, and goes even further by splitting arrows into different types.

My favorite alternative to SkyRe is http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24377/? by WTFus. It's smaller than SkyRe but I think it is every bit as good. In addition to being a combat overhaul it's one of the best perk overhaul mods around, in my opinion. The mod really shines when if you plan to play a thief or mage. It adds an Inventing skill tree that allows one to make traps, bombs and other handy devices. Many of its Light Armor perks benefit unarmored characters, which is great for mages and other characters we might roleplay who don't use armor. It's well worth checking out, in my opinion.