very interesting stuff. i think it's always nice to have some RNG elements in games, but i 100% agree that work/training should be RNG free. the only thing i wouldn't like is the NPC schedule, especially since (using Billy as an example) there is a sign telling you where they are, and they show up on the map. i think there's no point focusing on that aspect, since i think there is no frustration there for you to remove by removing RNG.
the only reason i'm iffy on the combat changes would be that you are creating a planned economy and a hardlocked meta. personally i think it should be some RNG in what items an enemy has available. for example a kobold gives you X points, but they roll on what you can spend those points on. it gives player some control over the RNG, without making it a 100% player-driven aspect. since if the player has full control, they'll know exactly what to kill and what to avoid, because they know the guaranteed drops.
either way, they're clever ideas. i'd start with the work/training changes, and perhaps that will be enough. it's always interesting to hear insight such as this. keep up the good work