Avoiding the towns where the pickpocket noobs hang out also helps. But yeah basically go with everything is gonna kill you, stay as far away as you can, and sadly trust just about no one and you slowly get to find the little good mixed in with the bad. You shouldn't have to worry too much about spawning on Unity or what not, I've only had it happen a handful of times, the trick is watch your loading screen and be ready to run like hell. BTW they used to I'm not sure if they do now haven't checked but any encounters with 'Merchants' Don't like you having your weapon out when you're in the same area as them, they usually yell, but sometimes just come out blazing.
