Have you considered reworking this town to make it the Tindrem of the East?
I realize this would be a big request, but if you get out a stop watch and measure the amount of time it takes to get from the entrance to vendors and the bank compared to Tindrem, then add more vendors, bank, and so on it will make the city a more viable starting point.
Also add more mountain passes to get in and out. As well, the same amount of horse spawns, bandit camps and similar so that to start in MK is equivalent to starting in Tindrem. If you go by travel distances and times that would be the best way.
I realize this would be a big request, but if you get out a stop watch and measure the amount of time it takes to get from the entrance to vendors and the bank compared to Tindrem, then add more vendors, bank, and so on it will make the city a more viable starting point.
Also add more mountain passes to get in and out. As well, the same amount of horse spawns, bandit camps and similar so that to start in MK is equivalent to starting in Tindrem. If you go by travel distances and times that would be the best way.