The only thing I can help with is the fire issue. The peaked-roof over the fire needs to be two wall heights up or the smoke smothers it and damages you if you're close enough. If using a peaked-roof chimney then the top (second) section needs to be open on two sides ... or use four half-posts for the roof if using a half-wall. Otherwise I am coming in on 80 hours myself also, and been having a blast with the game. Have noticed the same things too, but the whole game is just so fantastic.