The first go-around we had the entire group of black ringers--that's when I bailed.
The second time around (at level 31) Only the two high level guys showed up and were defeated. The others never showed up (the four black ring archers). Just had the two high level ones, the cut scene that played out the first time was them talking about "why send hostages...etc....." That didn't happen this time around. Oddly enough? I'm not sure if this is just back round effect or 'music' per say. But while standing next to the " ! " guy? It sounds like a whole bunch of people climbing stairs. LOL. Pity they never show up to say hello!
Your theory sounds spot-on. I've got several keys in inventory all in the 'quest' section that appear not to do anything. I imagine one of those keys is the one for the mine door, but the game won't allow it to open the door.
I'll give their support an email. Perhaps they can think of something.
