In other scripting languages, I've often found it useful to write a monolithic custom script for some object classes.

For example, all my custom actors might use the same generic code.

I find this quicker and more manageable. Also, it's much easier to make global changes later on.

The downside is that I end up with conditional logic like "if actor is Cicero then tell jokes", but I accept that.

Would this be going against the grain in Papyrus?

If not, what is the cleanest way to do the conditional logic?

For example, when a chest is opened, I know that the current object is "self", but what's the best way of knowing it's a DelphineSecretRoomChest reference?