You know it occurs to me, I think a lot of the valid criticism of Kuttenburg feeling more rushed and rail roaded might not even be the "pacing" itself. It might just be the hunger/energy perks. It's so much easier to just travel from place to place and accomplish quests. You don't have to plan around finding places to sleep to the extent that you do in the early game. I always felt like if I was going to sleep somewhere I may as well see what if any quests are available there. Kind of slows the game down and makes you value your time in a given location or region that much more. Just musings.