Yeah, the simple fact is that the NA and EU rules are different, absolutely. With homebrew, you do what you like... some even prefer to play with unlimited searches (and even shuffling back good cards into the deck after they're used up). I try to understand the evidence of what they intended as best I can but then after that, it's your free choice.
Since I'm using the NA rules as my base, I do add in stuff from the EU, but obviously I modify it, otherwise I'd just be using the EU rules instead and it could get weird. Other people do it the opposite way, start with EU rules and add in modified NA content. Hasbro is doing the same thing with their remake. Maybe I'll end up disagreeing with their way of blending the EU elements into the NA game in their edition, we'll see!
Then there's the Japanese rules, which I have yet to hear about someone actually playing straight, but I wouldn't mind doing that one of these days.
Cards contain exceptions to the general rules, and quest map notes can trump even these. And expansions add even more exceptions. You go with it, unless you don't like it, and you're Zargon, then it's something else, but best to agree ahead of time to avoid squabbles.
But I played it wrong for quite awhile before I realized the NA rule was intended to be that you got up to four Treasure searches per room (one for each living Hero; with few exceptions, based on quest notes), and only the first one is the special treasure, whatever that might be (even "nothing"). I certainly am not fearful of them getting "too much."
Many people I play with are reluctant to search, and the other fact is that I am building up to really hard quests, and those potions and gold will be needed for those greater challenges (my preference rather than nerfing, dumbing down and neutering those quests). It all depends upon what you want and plan I guess.