I remember the game said something about going in two directions after Stantonsburg, but before I knew it was time to make that choice, I had already chosen the path of least resistance - The Deadlands. I'm not even sure where the Mines are, but I'll be looking this time.
Maybe there could be some dialog explaining that a choice can be made when you get the blue key? Is this what the last line in the .808 change log addresses? I remember when I got the blue key (I think I found it first time through), I ran around town looking for where to use it, but I gave up fairly quickly and assumed it would be used later on. Since you get so many, I assumed they would be used on chests or loot rooms, or something like that.
EDIT: A few things I noticed after starting a new game. When the grays approach the fence, I was standing near Lela. Since I have read the dialog a few times, I was repeatedly pressing the skip button. This also made Pierce talk to Lela between scripted lines about how much she liked the backyard. Very minor, but I thought I'd mention it.
When I was at The Farm, I died a few times, and I noticed when I restarted, the money objects hidden in the bookcases didn't sparkle, but instead were just laying on top of the bookcase.
Should the land mines kill more than one gray if they are close enough? I know gameplay wise it could make certain situations easier, but it seems very strange that only one would die if a second (or third) were nearly stacked on top of one another when the mine explodes.
Since The Farm was the first level I went to, the message about being able to keep my inventory because they didn't pass through a portal seemed out of place.
Also, the new cut scenes are awesome! And I really like how the tutorial messages are more context sensitive. Everything is coming together wonderfully!