Indeed they are creepier - actually the sound design is really awesome in general. If you leave the music off there's so many audio details...

I have found that at higher levels if I ignore the Orc, he does not interact with me. Then again, I have Reduced NPC Greetings mod, so NPC types don't always approach me. Just the generic Thieves who you have to talk to first.

We found a generic orc not far from Windhelm only this morning, we had a sisterly (ahem) moment of cooperation versus a pair of Ice Wraiths who had done over some assassins. Then she turned round and called us a milk drinker, so we waited till her back was turned and she walked away over the bridge, and zapped her with some sparkleez...

(groans)

I never noticed the assault count from jumping dozing draugr, I'll have to check that out. Normally I hit them where they lie with a frenzy (or double-frenzy in the case of death lords) and watch the mayhem ensue. For encounters on the road, I always wait for the first blow (or swing, I don't think they have to hit you) before retaliating. At that point any follower will jump into the fray. This is very important for non-bandit or non-crazed-caster types.

For example, I always accost the trailing Thalmor when I find a group of three goose-stepping down the road. By the time you get the uppity elf to say, "and so you shall die a heretic's death!" the others will be out of range. I back off and let him/her take a swing, then I'm free to help induce a dirt nap.

So far as I know, you can kill bandits, thieves and crazy-casters on sight without incurring an assault charge. Be wary of the rare Orc Hunters, though. They talk like bandits, warning you off. If you attack first, it's assault. If you kill them it's murder.

Oh, I've run from the tough-guys who call me a milk-drinker, and thieves, too, and they've given up saying I wasn't worth it.

I met a random nord in falkreath inn who called me a milkdrinker. As i have a milk mod, i shoved the milk bottle right into her face, dealing 400 damage and she died. And i got a 1000 bounty and a new loincloth

Just for introducing me to this phrase, I am inclined to friend you up on this here forum.

It was murder. You should have talked to her and you would have a fight.

It was indeed.
But she had it coming m'lud.