The CURRENT early game situation with (EVIL SCUM) Eric as I see it.
At this point we DON'T really know ANYTHING. We have been introduced and seen the dinner conversation. That's all we have so far. I think that (and kind of hope) what has happened was a bit quick (and small changes may be made). Going to war/becoming friends should have been delayed a little longer. The Dinner is GOOD, as Max can become a bit JEALOUS, and gives opportunities for him to improve his relationships with the ladies. The introduction conversation should have (in my opinion) been just a brief hello sort of thing. Thus we would have been given the intro, some opportunities, and a starting point for the Eric character to develop.
Over the next several updates I expect that we will see more development between Max and Eric. I don't know how
Aleksey90 will handle this, but hope that it will be smallish steps towards EVIL SCUM or friends based on our choices. Maybe Max catches Eric flirting with the sisters and likes/hates it. Perhaps Eric takes the ladies out and Max accepts or objects. This would allow Eric to become a more REAL character instead of just the shell we have now, and had in the original.
At this point I agree that EVIL SCUM Eric isn't really important. HOWEVER, we don't really know anything yet, so condemning the game is harsh and not called for. If the story for the EVIL ONE stays the same then I'd agree that it's not good story telling (though I do want EVIL SCUM Eric GONE). We are still VERY early in the game (and don't really know anything yet) so PLEASE give it a couple updates to develop before declaring it horrible.
That's just my PERSONAL position. As happens in these forums, other people will feel differently. This is all feelings right now (since the game has just started), so I intend to wait and see. Yes, I'd like to see less Eric, but things may change as updates arrive and EVIL SCUM Eric may be VERY important and NOT just a distraction. Only time (and updates) will let us know.
Just some thoughts.