I just realized that I've been using a free 5-foot movement incorrectly in conjunction with my normal movement, for years now. Huh.
Move Action
[spoiler]A move action allows a character to move his or her speed or perform an action that takes a similar amount of time. A character can move his or her speed, climb one-quarter of his or her speed, draw or stow a weapon or other object, stand up, pick up an object, or perform some equivalent action (see Table: Actions in Combat).
A character can take a move action in the place of an attack action.
If a character moves no actual distance in a round, that character can take one 5-foot step before, during, or after the action. [/spoiler]
The only time this actually came up during this battle with NPCs is with Carlos's exit (which even not taking that 5-foot move, had no bearing to his escape).
In case you too didn't know this... be aware!