Even if time passing in the game doesn't have a consequence and combat is turn-based, sometimes you get interrupted in the middle of a cutscene or dialogue by something that can't wait (e.g. a pot is boiling over on the stove, front door buzzer for a delivery, etc.). Since you don't want to miss the narrative and you can't wait for the end of the cutscene, that is when pause would be helpful. I've seen a few games that allow you to pause anywhere, and it's a very thoughtful feature. I agree it would be helpful to have that option.
I also agree about the journal. I can't read my bottom one or even two companion entries because of how it's cut off, even when scrolled right to the bottom. I've submitted it as feedback through the game, so hopefully they fix that.
For inventory, I like picking up bags/pouches and using them to keep my inventory organized. That way I can keep things in there that I don't plan to sell but may need later (like a quest item). You can sort those as well (although it doesn't seem to keep the sort the next time you open it).
