I have. I've ascended four times over about 18 years of (non-continuous) playing. And without resorting to the use of Elbereth. For those who don't know, you can engrave "Elbereth" on the ground, and most monsters will refrain from killing you. I considered it a cheat, so I never used it.

After a while, you tend to get really good at the game and it becomes much easier. The trick is not to do something stupid. If you can prevent yourself from doing that, all you need is a fair amount of luck and patience, and you'll make it to the end.

The problem is not doing anything stupid. For example, for me it was common to die while attacking an enemy, or usually multiple ones in a swarm, even though I had the items to escape them right there in my inventory. A simple zap with a wand of digging and you'll drop to the level below and make your escape.

After a while, if I got myself in a pickle, I'd just open the inventory screen, read through it a few times, go for a cup of tea or a good night's sleep. When I figured out a solution, I would continue the game. It is, after all, turn based so there is no hurry.

It's great fun.