As the title says, everything else about this game is great but the noncon takes me out of it. Other than just 'getting good', is there a way to avoid these scenarios?

There is not, there's even several achievements for beating the game while avoiding the noncon.

Yes there is. Short: 

•     Always have light with you [off hand torch or an enchanted shield with glow.]
•     Avoid certain enemy witch will always 'succeed' against you. [not calling them because they are late game spoilers].
•     Keep control of what you answer to NPC s  [be antipathetic or mean to avoid 'you know what'].
•     Manage your hunger and keep the way point to avoid surprises.
•     Be strongest to ever be [grinding the first level in the Coliseum of the second village will do the trick].
•     Don't use a lewd strategy [Although in my play through as a celibate I never had a a lustful action modify my lust data it;s best to avoid it].