Gridania is kinda like proof that, controlling the messes by consistent fear, through a brunch of ppl hearing voices in their heads works.

The problem is not how much they hear, it is rather, how much the listeners understand what they hearing.

For all we know the quest at Quarrymill, the Hearer might not be hearing anything from the Elementals, she might just interpret it as "Well the elemental ain't saying sh!t, most likely it means don't help." Since, following nature's way of circle of life, has always been the Gridania way, so can't blame her for doing what so does.

The thought process of Hearers in Gridanian like this:

Elementals say Gridanians = ok to live here = ok to heal and help

Outsiders = not Gridanians = X = follow nature of life

Adventures = Helpful to Gridania = Ok to help = Elementals approve since Elementals say Gridianians ok to live here and anything at increases the odds of survival = ok

Kinda lame, but thats how the roll.