Good suggestion. I'd be sending out most of my slaves on EPIC loot quests, especially if there were items you could only get that way.
While I agree that some jobs could benefit from a more accurate description, the wiki is pretty good at clearing up any vagueness. Cooking lowers food consumption, up to 70% a day! Scales with Agi(+5%) per point, Wit(+0.25%) per point and Scylla get a flat boost(+10%) from their ability. (Think the cook might be able to buy food when stocks are low too)