I can't tell a Stormcloak from an Imperial at a distance and by the time the auto-targeter tells me what it is, I'm already TOO close..

Maybe its a dumb question, but consider the source.

Thanks!

I use the perk that lets me zoom with my bow … otherwise, I let fly and cross my fingers.

That.

I'm far from an Archer, but I keep a bow on me to weaken mobs from a distance and separate groups and I definitely got the zoom perk (Eagle Eye, I think).

It can be problematic trying to figure out who your are approaching. I gave up on it and just stick to a "kill them all and let one of the numerous gods sort them out" mentality.

Does it matter? A good fireball or lightning bolt should help sort out his 'aesthetics'

On a more serious note, the only way to zoom is with the bow and the right perk.

The detect life spell has a friend/ foe function, friendly show up green.
You can cast it for a short time even with 100 magic and low illusion skill.

I find it very useful to check out if a group is bandits or hunters.
Much longer range than you can do visual identification and the visual is inaccurate.

Not foolproof as it only show enemies who will attack at once as hostile. Robbers or enemies who ignore you until close show up as green.

I'm not sure, but can Telekinesis display the target name of what your cursor is pointing at if it is an NPC?