In both Skyrim and Oblivion there is an option to wipe out or at least damage the DB at the start of it. I'm wondering if there is such an option in Oblivion with the Thieves Guild? I started the TG to explore it but chose to load an older save after delivering the book to the guy at the waterfront due to a RP issue with gaining an Infamy point for having done so. I currently have something like 145 Fame and 0 Infamy - which is my RP goal (no infamy).

I'm wondering if there is a Wipe Out TG quest alternative which would give me some play time but not add any Infamy.

Freeform it. Join the TG, befriend everyone, then kill them. No more TG.

In other words, it's a lot like working your way up through the ranks of a bureaucracy in real life.

Only if you heap praise on them at the same time

Can't join w/o gaining Infamy points which is what I wanted to avoid. Seems there is no alternative branch after all.