I've played SIMS CASTAWAY and love the game, but I like the simplicity of Virtual Villagers, too, and wouldn't want it turned into another version of a SIM game with "motive meters" -- hunger, happiness, energy, cleanliness, bathroom, etc.-- that must be kept at a certain level. This game was meant to be a leisurely paced, simple play one and has succeeded very well as such. Its also meant as fantasy and for me at least, as an escape from the demands of an often hectic reality.
I'm not even certain how complicated it can be developed and still be offered as an easy download.
I do think that hunting as an occupation/skill is a good thing and, as an artist, it would be nice to see an artisan category since most primitive cultures had a recognizable artistic style. Maybe the bored builders could take up art, create wall paintings or decorations until there was new construction to be done.
The suggestions that children could learn to perform tasks and then do them without prompting is also an excellent idea.
I honestly love the whole series, though the pace can be a little too leisurely between significant events.