Thank you both for the excellent information. Few quick clarifications and followups:

Autosneak is very useful indead, one thing, though. If I leave the area, does the assassinations "stalk score" or whatever reset? (My impression is it does) Also, about teleportation: is the risk of ending up somewhere dangerous far less than if I just take a gamble and step outside? I've actually had someone try the whole 'wait for you to leave the guild' thing on me for the first time, but I escaped with barely a scratch. I can see how it would be more dangerous with some, but is the risk of ending up in a room full of undead that want to discuss the finer points of mortal transition with me worth it?

Gate can't be used from within the guild or a temple. Same with teleportation and similar abilities, isn't it?

As far as defenses go, recent experimentation shows that I can maintain them more easily now, thus I'll take your advice. :)

When ranking, I'm usually already resting during battles. But eh, them's the breaks.