this must be every players OWN decision - how to use, if at all, exploits game is offering. Personally I'm thinking, that aggressive looting shops for, say, item "of Freedom" or "of Medusa", "of Darkness" isn't good at all. On the other hand, you are playing for yourself and nobody will breeze at your nape, while doing so. Use what fits your needs and playstyle.
Just explained my own attitude. Yes, I loot also NPC's. If I need, say, horseman and there isn't anyone around, I save and reload until there is one. The same you can do by entering/exiting any dungeon, but doing so IMHO is a waste of time. My time.
Looting NPC's I never do, playing MM6 - there are alot of them in houses, but MM7 is game with only wandering ones.About the stealing skill. If you are roleplayer, you can try to play a role of Thief. First promo is to STEAL the vase, not to massacre every living thing inside the manor. All you need for this is one invis scroll. You also can steal control cube from Tolberti/Robert in original game. Stealing items is pheeee...., you even cannot sell them later on; everybody on continent is knowing what crime you commited and where; exception is black potions yo can use and no proof for cops.
