OK, having played some more, I like some of the changes, like the classes.
Not sold on equipment limitations based on class (better to have penalite/bonuses instead), but it you plan on keeping it, diversify. So far only the Knight class can use heavy armor and it's basically a paladin. So only one advanced class can use heavy armor? Diversify. Fighter -> Soldier/Knight/Paladin, etc..
The timer is a weird mechanic, but it's growing on me. However, having to constantly babysit obedience and fear is terrible. Unless there's a way to automate it, it will become terrible with more slaves.