Getting ensnared and wounded while exploring does nothing but annoy, especially with the sans AI, dumb-as-dishpan companions blindly following you. Does it really need to be a game mechanic?

Agreed. Unless its obvious stuff (like fire or lava) I don't think there should be stuff on the ground outside of combat that harms you.

I think I took more damage from those stupid vines than from a couple encounters of combat. I think they blend in a little too well, even though they are animated.