I like OSR style/approach a lot, so for me obviously the second option: more by experience and experimentation, than by roll of a die. But I understand that in PbP format it can be hard - the rest of the players probably will not want to wait, while one or two of them will experiment with the item. So I like you took some kind of middle approach.
Only, I would change this description:
GreyWord says:
[ +- ] Result of identify
It requires no attunement. Its only magical property is this: if a character wearing the pendant passes within 10 feet of the obelisk (the one outside tunnel), the pendant tugs the character toward the hidden tunnel to west.
For something that is happening in-game, to not loose "immersion". Maybe something like this: "When Vatoris ended his detailed identification ritual, happy that the amulet is not cursed he tried it on, knowing that it has some direction indication properties. Standing near the obelisk, as soon as amulet has fallen on his chest he started to feel sudden urge to go west." (I know that description isn't any good, but I have very little time now).
Just wanted to show my ideas/view on this. No big deal in general for me:)
GreyWord says:
Any feedback on game peace and DM posting frequency: too fast, too slow? Am I helping PCs too much or too little? Perhaps you want more or less railroading? Anything
Peace is very ok with me. I must say I was much more excited about the puzzles than I expected:) I hope that other players are fan of them too, as sometimes it felt that only Tinkara and Vatoris were active in solving them? But maybe it was due the fact that we were able to post more frequently? So I would like to ask if I i.e. should wait for others some more next time? Or they are more exited about coming battles, than puzzles or something like that?
I always wonder how to achieve good balance of being active enough to move game further, and not being TOO active and not stealing the spotlight in PbP format. It's not good when all players wait for others and games start to stall...