IMO if the games plot forces you to make game design decisions that lower the enjoyment of the game, then the plot is holding the game back not moving it forward, and thus not an appropriate plot for that style of video game. Especially when all they do is put a ring of lights around the towns and don't explain any of it.

And making different saves at every location you visit for every game you play on the off chance you can't go back? That is a completely absurd rationalization. Doable if you are on a second playthough or are forewarned, but to imply people should be taking it as a routine preventative measure in games is ludicrous.