I did some limited reloading at the start of the game, but the first try is almost always the best, anyway. For Lovis' chest, though, there is a consistent creature part drop, and I need a head with a class. I'll likely reload at malachite veins, as well, but I'm not sure if I'll have the patience to hold out for 3 gems, as I mostly did in D2:ED.
I'm not terribly concerned about getting the most experience out of opponents and quests, just curious whether it will make a difference. Also, fighting opponents is more challenging on lower levels.
