Saying that I think that 'Virtue' is the uintessential addition to BG2 is redundant. (I have said it so many times it might as well be in my sig
). I still think that the implementeation should be continually discussed, if something arises that is not obvious in reasoning, or at least explained. The way it is implemented in my view it is on a trigger on certain actions which depends on a case to case judgement.
I agree that the Hell Trials have consequences and are a different reality, but your dead father offers you something in the cameo as Irenicus. He offers you the gift that is contained in your taint for the first time. This is where you find out for the first time what is offered to you as a person. This gives a good character the opportunity AFTER waking up to reject this and fight this. (I know rivers of blood and stuff, but now we are talking pesonal development).
Someone: Do you want it?
Someone else: Yes
Someone: Wow, because it is like you know so awesome and everything. You could kill all theses people with a high level mage spell, even if you are a ranger.
Someone else: oh that is not so good, then I'd rather not and have some tea instead.
This dream triggers the awareness process and roleplaying doubts should not make you fall in a dream this early. In Hell you know what the taint really is and what the Slayer is. I am not arguing that your consequences depend on your knowledge, I am rather doubting the consciuous choice.
That would be a conscious choice!