Pretty much yes, and it also gives the soldiers people they can protect, something worth fighting for.
And some different backdrops. If everything always needs to happen at a castle, it tends to limit the possibilities. They could at least release expansion packs for the castles including more interiour, a well with servants, etc.
They dont even bother anymore filling the castle with any servants. Just soldiers. I'd say if they just make castles, might as well do that one thing properly.
Not even a herald with a trumpet can be found anymore, and its really a shame.