Question is, what do your Dragonborns do on the next playthrough when they know they're getting ripped off?

If I'm in the mood for a fight or two, I'll suggest to my Dragonborn that she give the money to the completely trustworthy and innocent looking dark elf who just needs a helping hand. Otherwise, I suggest that she ignore him and go Miraak hunting instead.

My Imperial stopped paying him after awhile because all of the people who were dying. I RPed that he was too honorable to risk additional innocent life.

Its weird how most people didnt even think about all the poor workers who lost their lives in that burrow.
Only did this quest once for curiosity. On all other character I stoped when the first group of workers died.

True, but IRL they're trickier and come off as sincere. At least the successful ones.

BGS games usually "tell" you upfront when something is off by overdoing the acting and dialog. But then I always meta-game it, because I want to see what will happen.

I was never able to discern honesty or dishonesty from anybody because the acting is "off" for EVERYONE.