Yeah you're not alone on reading what the non quest NPCs have to say. It's part of the fun for me and it adds quite a bit to the story. I like to have other NPC reaction to what is going on in the story.

I kind of miss Francel. There's something about him that I really like.

Going to Camp Dragonhead after the Vault was both my biggest mistake and the best thing ever. I wish i could hug NPCs.