And trying to reduce the learning curve for newer players like you, but --

Altering every helpfile to spell out that the primary factors are skill % and luck - and adding whatever minor factors also exist - is very time consuming. There are also some skills (like assassinate) that I'm sure the IMMs would not want to spell out every minor factor. Further, I think the helpfiles were written from the standpoint of maintaining a non-powergamey sense of "mystery" that immerses people into the environment and rewards really getting a feel for the class combo you're playing - because that takes time and investment, two things that are necessary for quality characters that leave an impact on others and build up the game. That has to be weighed against the competing desire to reduce the learning curve.

Don't you think it would be easier to ask questions regarding specific skills that truly have you stumped? And, by the way, I can't imagine that choke is a skill that truly has you stumped.

Assassinate is a special case. It is a truly sick ability, overpowered and riskless in most situations particularly against battleragers, that is only balanced because not many players have the patience and dedication to master it. Basically, that approach and skill % are the primary factors. If the more minor factors were known (and the myths were entirely dispelled) and less dedication were required .. there would be a lot more assassins and the skill would need some tweaking.

Maybe I'm missing something in your post, but it seems like a case by case question to the IMMs regarding certain, truly mysterious, skills solves your problem.