I know you mention that room descriptions don't hold enough warning, but did you know of the look command?

If you look east and the description is big sharp pointy teeth grin at you beckoning you to step forward, my bet is that you really shouldn't step forward.

Although I can vouch for killing many many people that way that dared to let me lead in a group.

Also let me ask you this, have you ever had a character con or age die? If your answer is no then who cares about one death, learning from that spot will let you know the area more.