I have to say, I don't really get the complaints about free roams here. Personally I like the concept, especially when it comes to party events, it makes them feel more "real" and interesting for me. I like to explore different areas and rooms and interact with characters. While some free roams were a bit confusing at the beginning, I got used to it later, also by Ep. 9 you should already know how to navigate the DIKs house. But even if you don't, the fast travel option makes it easier.
Same goes for things like minigames, collectibles, phone content etc, those are mostly optional activites if you want distractions to make your playthrough longer. To me it all improves the game, it would be less special and more monotone without it. But yeah, to each their own.