You say that The purpose of (EVIL Scum) Eric is to PROLONG the involvement of Max with the ladies. I will have to disagree with you on that. My position is that in the original version of this game the PRIMARY purpose of the outside characters (Eric, Kate, Olivia and the characters in her story) were to delay or even PREVENT the involvement of Max with the ladies (beyond peeking). A secondary purpose of these characters was to allow LEWD scenes to be added, WITHOUT Max doing anything beyond watching. This resulted in an 'INCEST' game with NO incest, until MAJOR changes were made (Removing Eric and Olivia's boyfriend, as well as shifts in the relationship with Alice (and Kate) to allow Max to participate).
In this version these characters seem to be a path to allow some variety that would be difficult (or impossible) to provide with the limited 'Resources' the 5 people living in the house present. How could Max peek on some guy doing naughty things with Ann/Mom if we didn't have some other guy?? Which is harder to develop, Olivia the nudist/naturist influencing Lisa (and maybe others), or spending a LONG time getting Max to do it?? BDSM with Alice would need a LOT of work and time, or you have her in a relationship that already has this (and has the bonus of Lesbian content). Yes, (EVIL Scum) Eric IS a resource. Was he NEEDED in the original or this version?? I feel that he was (and is) NOT needed. Other people think he was (and is). This version provides BOTH options with limited overlap, so I feel it is MUCH better than the original.
You say that (EVIL Scum) Eric was (and is) a resource, well yes ALL the characters in a story are resources to be used in telling a story. Bilbo was a resource used to give a point of view in the Hobbit. Connor Macleod (and the Kurgan) were resources used to show a battle between good and evil in the original Highlander movie. Heck the origins of 'Transporters' in Star Trek was the LACK of resources (The Shuttle Craft models were LATE, and characters needed to be sent to a planet). Also, Mary Poppins was a resource to tell whatever that story was telling us.
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If we use your point of characters as resources then MY point is dealing with how GOOD or BAD those resources have been (and are being) used. My posts (I hope) are NOT a failure to respect the opinions of others, rather they are an attempt so show other possible points of view. Do I agree with your views.. not really. Do I accept that they are your opinions (that others might share).. YES.
As I posted above the original game was in many ways a MESS. Yes
greenymph I do agree with you that the writing by DS was NOT good. I will even go further to again point out how inconsistent the focus of the story was with changes from incest, to peeking, to 'Saving the ladies from outsiders', bac to incest, to peeking, to making Porn movies, and more. Heck, there is the confusing part with Alice being a BITCH that becomes more friendly (and almost loving), then suddenly becoming the bitch again and Max almost needing to start over.
The original game DID have something compelling at it's core (that was poorly expressed) which is why so many people are still looking for a better version (and conclusion). THIS game is taking that foundation or core and I feel doing a MUCH better job of presenting it. Have I embellished the original somewhat??? Maybe yes, since it was the game that brought me here.
Ok, this (as many of my posts) has gotten VERY long. I hope that this has presented my ideas and will NOT be seen by others as ignoring theirs. Unless you are an EVIL Oatmeal Raisin lover.. then I say.. Neener-neener.
Just some thoughts.