Thank you Stephanie, this is the kind of helpful feedback. Very much appreciated.
Regarding the world map, I am afraid I am going the opposite way, removing the transparency that showed a bit of the map. But that gave me another idea. So all is not lost on that side. Also, when houses are available, there will hopefully be a bit more reasons to go to the world. In any case, I do show the world for 2 or 3 seconds at login, for the very reason you mention. It is nice and a shame that we don't show it more. Speaking of which, any idea to make the world more useful is welcome. What could we do in the world? I may not be able to develop your ideas but it is worth trying.
As for the size of the buttons, I am afraid space is expensive at the top of the screen. Every pixel added there pushes the main content down and I am trying to minimize the need for scrolling down. The newspaper has taken a lot of valuable space.
The Meeple Times will indeed show the daily quests when they are ready.
Thanks again. I love exchanging with you all. So please keep it coming!