Actually, KCT works the exact opposite of that. If I remember correctly, and based on what I read in the code, all scenes can be unlocked through choices alone, none of them have a KCT requirement. KCT is there to give us a second chance, not as an obstacle. For example, the "Choosing Nora" scene at the end, depends on previous choices around Nora (how much you've been helping her, if she likes you or not, if you had sex with her already or not, etc.) and the choices you make during the conversation in the cabin. If you fail those, you have a "second chance" with Confident.
For the "stuck on confident" part, maybe it's a bug, you can try this: Start a new game, and choose: (Julia) "could be fun", (Lauren) "Disagree" - "Don't defend Autum" - "You're cuter". "Make fun of Elijah". (Text message) "Thanks Julia", if after choosing this your KCT didn't change to Popular then your game might have a problem. If it does, then you're "stuck" on what you chose.