Fog Cloud, Darkness, Invisibility, and you can just take whatever you want.

NPC's don't react to you creating darkness or fog, like it's not at all suspicious activity. They don't run or move out of the AoE's. NPC's with magic don't try to remove them. Guards aren't alerted by it.

You can steal Dammon's Breastplate +1 and then wear it in the grove. No one cares.

Why is it so simple and easy?

Stealth doesn't necessarily break from attacking or casting a spell. Even Thunderwave, extremely loud and up close. That's funny. Enemies don't move away from a dangerous position after seeing their buddies Thunderwaved into a chasm.

Playing Rogues or stealthy spellcasters feels like some cheat mode is on. Why?