A few ideas I got after playing this amazing game.
Doorpumps - Probably not invented at the time, but doors auto closing behind us would be wonderful for us lazy types, especially when dragging sleds. 2-3 second delay could work.
Vendors that can be put as wall segments - this would make villagers who are confident about their defences maybe build roads leading to other cities and maybe even boston for increased trade. Also a slight speed bonus for walking on paved roads might further encourage this.