Playstyle has an effect on difficulty in addition to skills, stats, level, equipment, etc. Even if the walkthrough accurately represents most people's opinions on different builds, there are going to be some who disagree with various aspects. There were also some balancing and other changes made for DKS, so opinions based on the original release may not be valid for DKS, and vise versa.
Did you talk to Beatrice and get the quest to explore the well? If so (preferably after mindreading her and confronting her with what you learn), then if you are near the well, the entrance door to the cave is a little left of the direction of the Camp High Hall teleporter.
The only way to get into Gobie's house is to tell him you will slay the ghost yourself during the cutscene conversation when you first approach that area. Other solutions to that quest do not result in Gobie giving you the key, and there is no other way in (though being a poor farmer, there isn't much loot to be had there, anyway).
You can head to Aleroth and not worry about effecting anything in the fjords. You can even talk to Zandalor in the ministry building, and (despite his 'urgent' request for help) tell him you need more time before starting the main plot quest there. Past the merchants, by the ministry, you will find a teleporter shrine, so can teleport to and from Aleroth rather than having to head to the harbour to catch a zeppelin.
