I thought the same, but I changed my mind after reading a note in Watch tower. It told the food was only for the riches not to miss any sunday meal (or something like that ^^). I eventually decided to help Richard, since seekers weren't honest with me.
Note; there is a peaceful way to help Richard.
Accept his quest as soon as he proposes you. Then go to the farm and mindread one of the guards. You'll get a way to get rid of them and let Richard's associate work in peace.
I found that note, too, but pegged it down as mere traditional gribe from the man on the street vs. the high and mighty. Maybe it had a deeper moral meaning...?
And I would have been happy to discuss possible peaceful solutions with Richard. But he gave me no choice of a middle way; it was either him or them. Sorry, Richard... you shouldn't have put me on the spot!
