I think we should finally stop pretending that this game is a masterpiece just because L&P keeps saying it is. There are a lot of games out there that have a better story and are more fun to play. Despite nearly 5 years in development, L&P is still in its early phases here, and the idea that a slower build-up of the story would make the game more realistic has now almost completely derailed L&P due to some completely unrealistic subplots (like the side job with the children, the aiden story line, etc.).
Anyone who simply says it could go on as before is overlooking the fact that at the current rate of development, L&P would take more than 30 years to complete the game. Only if the supporters start not just blindly throwing money at him, it could lead to L&P really thinking about project management a bit more. What is the point of continuing a project whose completion has become completely unrealistic? I say all this as someone who used to give money to L&P as well.
I don't think there are that many fans, (on this thread at least) who consider AWAM to be a masterpiece. Making Sophia too puritanical & limiting everything to 30 days were clear early mistakes. This being a first project most people were more than willing to forgive or over-look such elements. It's a fact, though, that it's one of the best games/VNs currently in production. If it wasn't, many of us wouldn't be here. L&P's assumption of grandeur mainly serves to irritate, although it's obvious from the Patron comments posted here that he does have some sycophantic followers, despite many fans being unable to fully believe what he says.
If I was his boss, (& I have managed individuals & disparate collections of people), when it comes to the timescale, I would cordially but formally be asking him what he thought he was doing, as much from curiousity as from a need to know his plans. AS a fan, however, I have no idea, unless he's genuinely planning on taking the stories forward until he retires, which given his age & the current pace of progress, would be about right. AFAIK this has never been done, so why shouldn't he try to be the first? His Patrons continue to increase & he is a bit of an innovator after all. It's not good for the likes of us but why should he care, if everything is 'plodding' along nicely?
As for me, I relish the slow burn & the greater realism, (when it is present). AWAM, IMO, would be less of a draw without them. I enjoy the Aiden route, (still receiving complaints at the time when those who wish can discontinue it) but I would certainly axe the side jobs, Vicky & DeShawn, Jason & Haru, Mr. Murray, & more, as well as putting a stop to any extra branches or storylines but that's just my POV. None of this is vital if the production rate could be increased to a higher level but after these 5 years we surely know that won't happen.
