...else the party member will stop everything that they're doing, run right into the field of battle (incurring many disengagement attacks), and attempt to disarm the trap. This probably results in their death and no spells being cast. Would be so nice if this didn't happen.

I use traps and AOE spells without a problem.  Use sneak/scout mode to get close to the mob and place traps.  Then have your party far enough back so the mob have to run through the traps to get to you.  Use one party member to sneak within bow range first and attack then run him back to the rest of the party.  If you walk him/her around/beside instead of through the traps when sneaking the party member won't try to disarm the traps and can run through them without triggering them getting back to the party.  This leaves your spellcasters able to throw AOE spells without getrting near the traps.  If you want a spellcaster to initiate the combat have them sneak carefully around/beside the trap then run her/him back to the party through trap you just set without problem.  If your cursor touches any trap it automatically goes into disarm mode so always click on safe ground when positioning party members.  Hope this helps.

 

 

word salad

...thanks.