Yes, the one payment for the entire town was entirely our brainchild. Abbadon and I discussed it and thought it might be easier that way so no one slipped through the cracks and ended up starving by accident if Es was too busy to talk to them and get them money. However, after seeing how things went last game, I think we will be returning to the old way...
As for the OOG pratter, I understand the perspective of being new and wanting to get to know the other players, but I think there is a time and a place for it. If you want to go off somewhere quietly and talk, I don't have an issue. But when it negatively affects people who DO want to stay in character (ie talking loudly in the middle of the inn) then I think it has no place. And besides, have an in game conversation with someone, it can build relationships too! I had one of the best in game conversations I've ever had with someone at 4 a.m. on Saturday morning.
And I hate to say it, but the line of "What is this (insert topic here) you speak of ?" doesn't always work. I pulled it out this last event to be given a look by several people that I was being silly.