I use paths because I love customizing my town in that way. I don't think it's strictly necessary- but it's a game, so what is? But I do wonder why this seems to be such a divisive issue on these forums?
agree with that - I don't get it. No paths are fine, QR paths are fine, self-designed paths are fine.
Get Paths asap from QR codes or something, I can help you place them if you want good placement for them. ;P (no cost, I like decorating towns)