Kind of true, they don't really seem to have as many random things to say as previous games. However, what they say is often context dependent. They have more special dialogue for things that are currently happening than just random day to day interactions, but you have to actively pursue those bits of dialogue. When I say "things happening", I mean anything from having a meteor shower that night, having a special guest around on your island, the current weather, the current season, the current time of day, current or upcoming holidays, why they're awake out of "scheduled" times for their personality type, what they're currently physically doing (sitting, napping, hobby related things, fishing, bug catching, etcetera). The list goes on. There was even special dialogue for them using sparklers during those Sunday nights in August that just happened, which tickled me mightily.
Another factor to consider is that the animal neighbors have generally become nicer with each successive game, which a lot of series veterans do not like at all. Personally I do not see the appeal of paying Nintendo 60 bucks to then be treated like garbage by the characters who are supposed to be my friends, but to each their own.
