In short,
Adding branches later? No, as long as you understand the code. I do it all the time in Blue Swallow.
Version number should only move if you are adding/improving current content. Imho, he should revert the version number to something like...1.6 or earlier.
In short nothing stopping him from "completing" one story as his perfect vision requires, then adding all the other bells and whistles later.
Well, then if Crush is still lurking, why not follow the money? Since 2020, it's clear the MFAGA and MOABS plans didn't work, and messing around with the lifepath etc didn't actually add much to Patreon.
In other words look at the numbers, your Discord might worship the ground you walk on, but obviously to get new supporters to pay, you'll need to deliver content regularly to reignite interest. We all came for the writing, focus on that.
If the money angle didn't inspire, then keep creating your magnum opus, I wish you well but you'll need a full time job again soon.