I'm currently on my best run with a Dark Elf Inquisitor (L4). My only other good run was with a Dark Elf Nomad (L2 / 3824 pts). My other 6 games were 755 pts and less.
I'm being much more cautious this game and have avoided being ganged up on. I listened to your advice and kind of read between the lines of what you said to realize that I have to deal with enemies when i see them without moving far or else i have to flee before they detect me. I can't run around too much to flee once detected - that will lead to death. But fleeing is a grand tradition of adventurers everywhere. I think it's a problem if fleeing is a death sentence. I note that the changes you've made might help in the early game in this regard.
I think there may be some balance issues with some of the classes, but not sure. I'll be interested to revisit what i percieve as the weaker classes with my stricter play style. The inquisitors 1st level immolate is powerful and necessary, and icebolt isn't too bad on their approach. I'm not that impressed with fireball but it does have a huge AOE (maybe even a little too big) so we'll see.
I guess I can reflect and say, well now I'm playing more cautiously, with more of a view that this is a short range roguelike, particular at that boundary of NPC detection, and not an adventure game or RPG (even though it looks and feels like it a lot). I do wish there more places to hide though, more cover and opportunities to lose pursuers.