Thanks mate. Appreciate the tag and spoiler free section. I should have clarified that I ditched the Sage playthrough long ago and have no intention of picking up her or any of the main LIs now or in the future. That said, I decided I had to see this potential shitshow for myself. I did but one playthrough (massive DIK, others, manwhore, where I sex every woman who will let me for as long as they let me until they break up with me). I have scarce interest in doing another run. One playthrough was enough.
My expectations were incredibly low and those expectations were met. For that reason, I don't think I was as disappointed as I might otherwise be. I knew exactly what was coming. Still, I would rate this as my least favourite episode. This even beats out the clusterfuck that was ep. 7 because that one had a higher number of redeeming qualities despite its low points.
I am sure many of my statements below have already been iterated, but I haven't been keeping up with the postings so this is my fresh perspective (mostly stream of consciousness). I am doing this more so I have a record of my disappointment for future me than to provide an official review.