The 'help list' idea is the one that I don't think is very good. To me it is too automated. Sure, you would get a lot of rewards fast, but in that case why not just ask for a button that gives you a bunch of gold? I think visiting neighbors and potentially learning from them should be part of the process.
Button that gives gold sounds good to me. Seriously though... Here are the ranks of my discovered neighbors that have at least reached Age 2: 463, 696, 1062, 1187, 1649, 3005, 3456: seven players in total. (For context, I am currently rank 114, in Age 3, and have discovered 47 town locations -- many of which were erased.) Of these 7 players, 4 are active and I trade with frequently. For these 4 players, I am more than willing to follow specific instructions and hit whatever they want, but FOR 90% OF MY NEIGHBORS, ALL THAT CAN BE DONE -- EVEN IF I MAKE A PERSONAL VISIT -- IS TO HIT THEIR MAIN HALL.
No one is suggesting taking away the ability to make personal visits. I my scenario, I would visit the 4 players for specific buffs, and then hit a button to buff the main hall of everyone, which would take care of the others.