So as much as we'd like to be dealing with real people for every detail, not many people would want to play 'shopkeeper simulator', and you won't always be on at the same time as the people you want to deal with.
That's exactly the point.
This is why they decided (at least that's what my impression is so far) to focus on combat and automate everything that has nothing to do with fighting so that you don't have to bother with it. Then they will gradually make crafting and laboring available to the player for those who like to do it anyway, but it is not the focus of the game they try to create. Imo, gameplay for most people is supposed to revolve around fighting, exploring and some sort of politics.
And I think that this is the right approach because it sets the game apart from LiF, Chronicles of Elyria and other competitors that focus way more on representing the whole range of a (fantasy) medieval society.
