It's mostly vn skipping it defeats the purpose. If you can't cope with the length don't play it because "gameplay" isn't worth it
Even tho im not a fan of VN's, i do enjoy when they actually try to bring some gameplay into them, and i'm (trying) to read most of it, by most, i mean i'm skipping some side-stories like Ariadne trying to stuff cookies into Estelle's mouth, but bonding stories and main stories im reading everything, and most of the stuff is rly good, i specially like Goro's character for some reason, he's just a cool and funny dude that i'd like to have a beer with some day while discussing random bullshit, his bonding events reminds me of the talks i have with my discord bros.
By the way, am i the only one who found funny how Casca randomly falls in love with you despite having no prior bonding events like the other waifus? Lol
I mean, i get, its the self-insert fantasy and stuff, but come on devs, make an effort into making it at least believable, like we say here in brazil: "me engana que eu gosto" (tool me that i like it)