The dates seem to have irked some people (perhaps as they are more relationship vs sexy time?) but i personally thought they were great for those who want to immerse themselves in a relationship with the girls vs just fucking them. I enjoyed them for how deep they dived into each girl and even offered you to have your own opinion on stuff. Its important for those detractors of the dates to remember they like other content not everyone is on board with are entirely optional. Dont like the idea of making your waifu strip? avoid exhibitionism. Dont like pissing on them in the dungeons? Dont take them there and dont want to spend too long seeking out their hopes and aspirations? avoid the dates.
My only personal complaint regarding them is the fact theyre focused on the main cast which i feel at this point i already know so much about. Give me more time with the Sanctuary girls, with Jin, with the uni girls or the school girls as well as the likes of Moon. They could probably do more with the expanded development than the likes of Maria etc do at this stage of the game but its a minor complaint. Still this is also coming from a very long time fan, newer players might get more out of this deep dive on them vs someone who has spent years with said main characters at this point.
I don't know if we'll get it with the sanctuary elves or the girls at Kali's university, or even with Kate or Moon. Right now, we have those events for the side girls, but like you. I would love to take Nia, Moon or Vanessa (or any of them to be honest) out on something like that.
I don't know what Runey has planned for the side girls, but the dates is a good step towards learning more about them, brings the player closer to the girls. The dates are a good addition, even if it took away from character advancement and story progression.
I'd rather have the story vs. the sex anyway, and I'm that way with all of my VNs I play.