I think most problems can be solved without headaches; More quests and more variety in quests. Quite simply.
Add many simple humor driven quests set in towns like investigations, and inventory puzzles. With a few funny characters, simple little quests based on funny stories and characters, you can spend quality time in the game without necessarily have to go out and fight. That way you can A; get more information on locations and quest based exploration. B; Earn useful items even if you're not necessarily gaining levels and/or xp.
It would add a sort of Monkey Island or Discworld feel to the game and would lighten many of the typical problems within the game. You could get involved with some quests for the simple purpose of fun and character based humour and story. With just a minimal interest for a loot, xp or monetary finality.
