but with a choice (sort of) and them knowing what they are getting into (sort of).

There is that. But what I think is special and awesome about this particular story is that... since Parrish (and therefore the readers) are coming at it from a botany perspective, the helping with the rash and the eating root situation... they seem less like cliches. Because Parrish *would* know what to do about the rash. And the natives didn't have to be squicky and mean and underhanded or hopelessly ignorant - it came about as part of that discussion they were all having.

All of which is further proof to me (because I've definitely thought it before today!) that I really love how your creativity works. *hugs your brain*