please prioritize custom npcs over hardcoded ones.
your community will agree.
I fully expect the customizable NPC to come out before any other NPC ideas like a blacksmith. There are enough request for it to be higher priority.
Lore wise, I think Silverpine needs a carpenter, builder, or some similar trade that can explain who erected Silverpine's buildings in the first place. Also, a new vendor for building related items like furniture. Aldric can afford to lose some inventory, he has way too much stuff.