What's interesting here (and may sound contrary to my other posts, but isn't!) is if there is a lack of rewards, then that is a problem, lore wise!

We are adventurers... we are 'paid' rewards for our deeds.
Defending the hamlet, we do on the expectation of being rewarded.
If we do not get a reward, then as an adventurer, we loose interest in defending the hamlet and will leave it to the residents/city to take care of.

(Contrary to Dungeon rewards, where we go because we want to adventure and find loot. Not to help/protect anyone else.)

Is it at all possible that a 'booboo' is being made in how we get rewards (or with the system itself)?