IMO locking parts of the map is a technique only used by poor Devs. "Speak to the villages" is a nothing quest as far as I can see, a simple hint for people who can't figure out that talking to NPC's a good idea. Making it an insta-start can be considered a good idea, but so is just deleting itPersonally I feel "Speak To The Villagers" should just insta-start the moment the player has control over MC cos it's literally the 1st Main Quest & would make sense that MC would make that a priority (can keep the Goblin Forest locked until then ofc). That's just my thoughts