While I understand the point, IMO it would be be better to add reasons to use a skill then remove things from another skill. The unnecessarily over-specific nature of the thief skills is the problem, not an open lock spell in alteration.

Bash lock would be silly, especially without attributes to determine strength. Besides, bashes something open takes absolutely no skill.

It could have been a perk for one and two handed weapon, one handed might have higher pre-reqs.

I don't agree. Lockpicking still makes sense for players that don't want to pour points into alteration, a warrior or thief build. In order for players to play the way they like, there has to be multiple ways to do the same thing.

It just wouldn't make much sense for it to be a perk in my opinion. Any idiot with a hammer or with something to use as a pry bar can open something. Lockpick and Open Lock spells can legitimately be said to require skill. Besides, warriors already have a viable option for opening things, getting the key through violence.

I'm almost certain that vampires use an absorb life spell. You can see it in... erm... videos... in.. places...

I am having trouble believing that everyone is saying they can't cite. An unlock spell is used in the GTTV video where they demonstrate the become ethereal spell. Right after they use it to avoid death by the spinning blade, he uses a spell on the door, and it opens.

You mean just like if it were an actual wooden box with an actual lock on it?

So they are in do we know if they go to expert locks?

No, not really. It could have been a perk, or even something derived from the wielded weapon's base damage. Also, 'getting the key through violence' is not always an option.

Dual casting perk to overcharge open lock spell?

Yeah but spells make noise and attract attention, lockpicking doesn't. Lets hope Skyrim can detect alteration spells unlocking a door as a crime unlike Oblivion. One thing I'm disappointed with about lockpicking is it isn't in real time, AFAIK. That would be awesome if they showed an anim like alchemy/smithing etc where your character is fidgeting at the door with the lock picking mini game sort of off to the side or something... then a guard came up STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!!! and scared the living bejesus out of you.

There is an illusion perk for silent casting.