The changes look very promising!! I initially completely overlooked the patch notes*, but I think this is a definite step in the right direction. For consistency's sake though, perhaps the Farming NPCs could also be hired for pebbles, instead of food. This would also make it more accessible to newbies! :)
And I adore the new companions! Great work on the art there
*Suggestion: Give each announcement its own banner! That way it is more easily visible that two things were posted, and not one. Although I will also admit, it might just be my late-night sleephead
That being said, given CM Quiche replies to a bunch of suggestions in the past week, I had hoped that the economy concerns would have been addressed more explicitly. I am seeing some changes for the better, but they are subtle, and a lot of other suggestions/concerns have remained unanswered by this update.