You can grab the persistent file from
here (linked from the OP). It's not mine.
The persistent file just keeps track of scores and unlocks. It doesn't have anything to do with paths etc.
It'd be nice if the effort put into the Interlude comes to fruition during episode 9, but I doubt there will be anything that makes people go, "Ahhh fuck, now I see it was all worth it!" It was just a simple side project for DPC to experiment a bit with and he used it to reintroduce us to a potentially important character.
Regarding what
we got out of the Interlude: Before we knew
of Zoey, not we actually know her. Unfortunately some people don't like what we know. Also I don't think the relationship from Zoey's perspective was shallow. She actually took him for granted and expected he'd be in her life in the future.
But to be fair, I think most people who thought there was no reason to make it so long will be vindicated.
Regarding the time spent on the Interlude, I'd
estimate it was more like 1.5 months given that a lot of time was spend on other things that would have happened even if the Interlude didn't exist.
But anyway, in spite of all the general complaining about the Interlude taking up precious time, here we are just a day or so away from release. Development time is just like any other unpleasant experience, just let it happen, it'll be over soon.