video game logic was heavily used in this part of the dungeon for sure

I'd use left one with no problems. It always helps to go through the labyrinths with left hand rule instead of right one

Perhaps the party has played Baldur's Gate 2

If you can outsmart the traps or fights so you don't have to encounter them directly then you beat them and deserve a reward. The reward might be experience or just not having to spend those resources.