When lit, the depths are fine. But there's something about the absolute darkness and (since it's a new game and I've avoided spoilers) having no idea what could be down there that raises the hair on my neck.
Also, I had terrible framerates down there initially so I felt extra helpless/unable to respond :)
The bargainer statues are the ones that give you and stamina, right? Ive tried to get stuff from them but for some reason they never detect that I have Poe's or other tradeable items.