I've experienced your frustrations and also think a toggle for the tutorial would be handy. Believe me though it's much better than used to be!! As far as didn't by patrols early game. The npc agro's to sound from up to for hinted meters away. So if a payroll is passing by on a road and there's sounds, they will check it out. It's best to clear a regional already then several reasons around yours. Also if you've started on hard or insane modes you've seen yourself up for a very aggressive gameplay. If you're killing more than intimidating, the ai will also be on high alert and their aggro probability and distance will be significantly higher.
- CK Generations