The kinship of a simple variational scheme involving the uncertainty product with a prevalent semiclassical nonlinear differential equation approach for finding energies of stationary states is established. This leads to a transparent physical interpretation of the embedded parameters in the latter approach, providing additionally a lower bound to the integration constant. The domain of applicability of this strategy is also extended to encompass neighbouring states. Other advantages of the simpler alternative route are stressed. Pilot calculations demonstrate nicely the efficacy of the endeavour.