Right. [ True enough. ] Not like it's my choice, but I'd personally pick the former over the latter, even if neither are very appealing.

[ He's not really pitying these people, but...ouch. He'd be pretty miserable too, living here. A side-eye towards the people scurrying about, who occasionally cast them worried glances. ]

The guys who were here before must be real freaks of nature. [ Is this derogatory? Maybe. ] Especially if just being without them is enough to send'em all into a panic.