I'm glad to hear about linux, I haven't chance to test it.
Laky town: search the south-eastern corner of this city. There you can also perhaps find the answer why the minimap would be difficult in Rayel.
Small game window: I'm working on it. Actually, in 0.1.1 version (which will come in a couple of days) you will be able to minimize the left menu panel, expanding the game view to 37x25.
About pointless start: that was forethought, the freedom vs straight line plot. But it lacks 'atmosphere' now of course. The next major version 0.2 would introduce more monsters activity, communication and so on (though it will take rather long time).
About 'looking too critical': here in Russia (rlgclub.ru) I got almost physically beaten for small game window !
Hint: visit taverns for rumors. If there's any sense of small guide for those who have troubles on early lvling I'll include it in 0.1.1 manual.
Thanks all.