The problem is not the branches created at EP8. A player a little attentive to the spirit of the game knew this was coming.
What worries me is that the branches of EP8 have grown in all directions after EP9.
The sentimental and sexual life of the MC creates a huge number of variations. It's very good, but it's worrying for the rate of release of the episodes.
A simple example. Lily and Nicole, they are always together during episode 9. At the end of the episode, we can choose one of the two. This means that for EP10 you will need a Lily solo branch, and another for Nicole solo.
Indeed, it gives the impression that the sexual/sentimental part of the MC life takes all the place, and that the other narrative arcs are put aside.