Hey Recon John,
Glad you are enjoying the game. Ill try to answer your questions.
1. There is no public timeline on when I'll release things. It's difficult to develop a whole game solo and meet deadlines too only fall short. I'll try to be reasonable and release things as fast as possible without sacrificing quality as i've done in the past. So for the moment, I can't say when but I can say it is planned for the next update. Sorry if that was a bit convaluted.
2. Crystals, atm, still have no purpose but they will near end game when they are fully implemented.
3. Every update or so, I try to add more content and destination for the player to visit to break them out of the grind/monotony if they so choose. The next update will have a larger map with more to do.
4. I want to add a element of risk and loss. I think what I am implementing currently will be a good alternative to robberies. But I might still add it at one point. No shop is complete without someone trying to steal your stuff :p.
5. I am working on armor possiblities but I can't make a promise it will be in the next update.
6. Weather is on my todo list. Very close to the top. I'm all about that immersion.
7. I've received this request several times now and I might just have to do it.
8. Unfortunately, bows and arrows don't make sense for a blacksmith game, same with leather armor. Would like to remain in the realm of metal working. This also has been requested alot so i might, far in the future, add specializations like weaponsmithing or armorsmithing.
9.Mining is partially implemented but i'm pushing for full implementation either in this update or the next.
10. Yes! Unreal Engine 4 is the engine I am developping this game on. :)
Hope that answers your questions.
Cheers!