I like the distance argument. If we assume that everyone in Thera is adept at 'scanning' then you should be able to know what you're scanning for. So "scan east 1" would be a quick glance in that direction, and is completely feasible. Good idea.

As far as Scan All goes... It tends to annoy me when I see...

Blah scans east.
Blah scans west.
Blah scans north.
Blah scans south.
... etc.

spammed on my screen when ranking. I think it should have a 1 second refresh-type lag on it, because it just makes sense. You're turning completely around and looking throughout all the surrounding rooms.

That and/or the code shouldn't display "Blah scans east." (to either the user or others in the room) if the east direction does not exist.

I very rarely use scan all because it is so inconvenient... dunno these ideas just popped into my head.

I like yours, though.