I agree on the rollercoaster part. My first time through this game, a few months ago at the very beginning of Summer, Maria's detainment screwed me up for over a few hours, but I kept playing it, but it wasn't easy. I haven't had a jolt like that since that fire-related scene in another game.
I was grateful when she was rescued, but not in the manner I was hoping for. It seems that Hana will introduce Maria to her doctor now, but too little, too late. I agree on your viewpoint though. A choice might've been for the best, but since this isn't a standard VN, it had to happen that way for the advancement of the plot. I went through the game yesterday in one sitting beginning to end, and Maria's "arrest" still hit pretty solidly.