daryl did exactly what he should do. what's he gonna do, go up against a small army with a crossbow and a cripple he just met? he's smart, he knows their location, he knows there's nothing he can do at this point. better to go back with reinforcements and come for the rescue with a game plan.
I don't think the writers are exactly taking the easy way. I think it's pretty accurate. in a situation where there's no law, no government, I picture it being pretty much like twd. everyone out there surviving by any means necessary. people scavenging, robbing, killing and mowing random lawns to at least make the apocalypse look as nice as possible