Partly true, I know a few games (which of course I can't mention here) where the main plot is stronger, DPC is a good storyteller and knows how to evoke a strong emotional reaction, working with emotions is his top skill, but his general writing is far from great. Doesn't work with all people, for example not with you, to each his own.
1. Maya's story with the debt is very stretched out and this is precisely Maya's story, Josy acts as a plot trigger for Maya's problems. You are right. Which ultimately led to the fact that she is a rather unpopular LI in contrast to the start of the game and many are simply on her route to steal Josy (who has no plot at all, lol)
2. I think he will justify Bella's storyline with her serious mental disorder, we got hints throughout the game and it seems that she is not ready to open up to him yet. We get hints that she has some crazy shit going on in her head, like this:
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3. Zoey and Bianca are just dope, that's the thing. One girl attracts attention with her fighting spirit (while not being a criminal) and alt-looks, radically different from all the other girls, the second - the concentration of lust, teasing and a sense of taboo.(you need to cheat to get her). He introduced many girls in the middle of the game: Tara, Gina, Christie, Kylie, Becky, Tiffany e.c.t.; but only these two stand out so much. Sorry Spock, but the yoga girl is just a background extra.
Sorry, won't comment on this, I don't want to speculate on the topic of his deceased family member.