Agreed. If i find heavily used trails that may possibly lead to bedding areas...i leave em alone. I may setup near the trails but i wont go pounding through. Luckily i have a few private land spots that i hunt year after year. The deer dont move too much off of the stand locations we have already. But if one needs to be moved, i like to do it well before the season. I have moved them before during bow season and have had decent luck but like you im not real fond of it.
To the op....id find areas where trails intersect each other. If you can find a food source that would be optimal too. Water is another key factor that alot or hunters overlook or pass up. Deer gotta drink.