The worst thing is that the person who supposedly contracted them seemed to be entirely unaware of the whole plot. I know it's randomly generated, but there really should be a dialogue opttion regarding the attack, otherwise it's extremely unrealistic.
Yeah I know what you mean. The orc smith in markarth sent thugs after me for accidentally picking up his smithing hammer. When I went back to see him he was as happy as ever, would've been nice if there was even just a small comment. Something like they whisper under their breath "Damn, you should be dead..." or "Those thugs were a waste of money".
Perhaps an option to accuse them of hiring thugs against you to start a brawl so you can at least get a beat down as revenge.