Glad that you return to this game, after some time))))
Yea i understand your idea, i just afraid after that change game can start feel way more easier (let be honest even now, after understanding rules its simple enough) It will be too easy just lock them in "cage" with a fire, more over it will cause some stupid pause in gameplay cause you allready win by math, but need to wait when the fire will spread...
So that option is not fully positive, it have own procs and cons.
About the "hope" (very nice describe btw XD), it depends how you look at it, in my opinion keeping them near fire for a long time need from you more "skill" and right decisions, then lock them once in a "cage". But ye it not obvious and here can be different opinions)))
Anyway i glad that you return))