You're right. I've said the same thing in this thread and others. Build up via things like teasing, developing individual motivations and sensible connections between the characters so when stuff does happen it feels like an actual payoff, are just as crucial to exciting content as the art and visuals are, if not more so.
But this dev has gotten it all wrong imo. Almost none of interactions are particularly enticing, most of the characters have attitudes and motivations that are just boring and/or annoying, and there's really almost nothing alluring about the protagonist's story or actions so far. You don't have to have her banging every dude she can from day 1 to create a titillating atmosphere, there are much better ways to do it, but this game is failing badly at that. And it's sooooooo slow.
It's def been recommended already, but Jessica O'neal's Hard News is a good example of how to execute build up in way that is both constructive and satisfying.
I'm still rooting for this game to get into a groove because i think it could be really good, but i feel like, so far, it's only been getting worse.