I definitely understand how it might be more lively if there was combat in town, and I do think there is probably going to be quite a bit of boredom for those on repeat playthroughs without combat for many players, as even I became rather tired of waltzing around town myself after a while.
However, my problem is not -necessarily- that there is no combat in town, but that running around town takes more time than is... interesting, I suppose. My suggestion was just another gate in the marketplace in the center of town with one at every major exit as well.
While I do think there can be a place for starting combat in town, I think it might also feel a little forced with how things are currently. Between the town guard and Arhu's machines, there wouldn't be a nice and smooth place to put some combat in where it wouldn't become overcrowded or feel artificial (except perhaps if you had a fight in esmeralda's basement or something, perhaps? Not sure what you would fight though. If undead got in that would be a major issue for the whole town's safety).
In general, I think it's a bit of a tricky situation. I think it's probably a pretty decent compromise though if we can mitigate runaround though with those waypoints I suggested.
I don't know honestly. If combat can be slipped in nicely I would appreciate it myself. If it just doesn't fit well though, I can also understand that decision.
