I'm absolutely for achieving more points (skill or "XP") by only completing objectives, if unique encounters exist which have no objective, it could be protecting an orb/book/scroll/ring etc. to boost your character somehow rather than just a set of points.
I prefer this because at least you're gaining an item with (at least) a unique design, a bit of backstory (lore) and also the ability to talk about what you gained.
I'd rather hear people talk about a sword they obtained by overcoming an awesome encounter rather than saying I got 50k XPs and that's all.
Yes, you can have both but it dilutes the experience in my opinion and (for example) a book giving you a new spell is much better than gaining XP and then clicking on a context menu to gain a new spell, especially if that book has good writing within it.
I haven't read the thread entirely, apologies if I've re-iterated the same points.