I, was just thinking that for the solo players you should be able to bring the villagers with you into combat, like in Rune Factory 3-4? For online as well; lets say your friend joins the party, and no one else does; you could invite two villagers to come with you and your friend, since player max is 1-4.
On a side note, just from the style of the game would it not be worth considering to bring to a portable system like 3ds, or PS Vita?
@ Knightshade Not to mention it would probably open up a new avenue genre all on its own. Multiplayer sim-rpg connect with friends and/ or randoms, and bring villagers with you for solo play, and if theres no one to fill that spot online. I MEAN IKR !?