Okay, it's bad enough I have to do it in reality; what's the purpose of it in the village?

I think it is a way of the villagers saying put them to work.

I guess if the place is more "civilized", there's barely anymore puzzles to complete, they'll act like regular people...I guess. Y'know, do their own thing. But that's just my theory.

I think it's quite sweet. Ther's more to life than WORK. I usualy let them do their own thing, unless I need them for something. Good luck.