I too have all iof the above problems. I've started 7 vilages (so far) and they all either die off, or want laundry after MAYBE getting half of a skill. I did get one master scientist though but everyone died off because even though I did have level 2 farming and level 2 engineering, they are sooooo lazy and I just can't seem to get things to go right.

Even with the problems its fun to finally have VV2 here!

I hope when a fix does come out that I can get it. I DID buy my game from Big Fish.