So in a misguided attempt to finally win this silly game, I've resorted to using the "default names" bug and loading up before starting. I don't go all crazy, but I'll typically grab some elven chainmail, several stat potions, some of helpful scrolls and wands and rings, and quite a few spell books for a wizard run.
I had a fairly good start this time. Made it through the UD without serious incident. No major herb patches, no pools, but good experience and a battle axe of devastation. Right into the CoC next. Took care of the first 15 or so arena opponents. Found my morgia and moss for the run, and, lo and behold, a surge of power before the SI. Poon the quickling had Preserver wrapped around his scrawny neck. Took a while to bring him down, but a wizard with lots of firebolts is not going to be denied.
I think Preserver was probably what led to my early death though. Got my first quest for a chaos brother. He took his time showing up in the big room. I got to practice my fireball a bit on some spiders. Next--down to see what's on the other side of that mysterious forest. Just a few little problems: no teleport on demand, no knock, and I got sick from a pool. I thought being sick would be a bonus for bumping up stats. Between that and Preservers I certainly got all the First Aid practice I could want. It just hadn't occurred to me that having my HP hovering around 25 would be a big problem if I was careful.
Mr Ceiling Acid Trap said "not today, my friend." End of story.
Next time I get sick in that situation I'll just nurse myself in D-Town.