A couple of things to think about: At least one of my favorite RP immteractions happened in a death trap as a newbie because I prayed. An orc god (Thrakburzug) offered my elf character escape in return for a later favor and pitted me against one of his orc berserkers in a grudge match to the death. This was one of my personal newbie highlights.

They do provide some occasional PK strategy, though this is largely dependent on the situation.

CF often throws you an unexpected curveball to keep you on your toes. It is essentially a way to add real risk to the game and yeah, it can be frustrating as a new player. Without these occasional unforgiving elements in the game a player might not face real risk in exploration, or PK, or any in game activity.

Personally I prefer a game which can keep me on my toes. Some people don't and that is their prerogative, but everyone in the playerbase has been there at one point or another.

Welcome to CF, and the community by the way. Glad that you are giving us a shot.