I think approval penalties for Blackmail should probably be increased, yeah. Maybe if you have a high enough Deception or Intrigue stat, you can avoid some of the penalties by having the skills to 'cover your tracks' ? I like the option of having Zorana be a highly skilled blackmailer, but I do feel like I should need to earn it more then investing a bit in Menace and having a competent Media advisor.
I never use Cautious to change my mood for assassination protection, tbh. I'm usually attempting to reset with my pet or with the baby. Usually one or both of them can get me to a mood that is safe for the turn.