Regarding the speed buffs I completely dislike them as they're breaking immersion.
While I can understand the interest in being able to catch someone fleeting from combat I also understand anyone who wants to get away (especially the ones who get combat imposed on them unwillingly). I still would prefer a 'flee' action that gives a decent enough speed boost to get away, paid for by randomly shedding inventory contents and equipment so one would leave a trail of stuff when fleeing, cartoon style. As it would have a cost (in items) it would give some loot to the ones that are denied the 'kill', especially should anvil+hammer get the needed nerf so quality metal items (like armor and weapons) would have value again from no longer being able to mass-produce them from mediocre metal.