That role-play really struck a nerve
Maybe we can simply have a 'no role-play' option or an different kink next time, maybe she has a nice friend for a larger selection.
As much as i like the old characters/LI's, part of me really hopes we will see them only near the end of the story.
As u said the timespan is a huge problem, every single of them should have moved on long ago, even the most lovestruck gf. Them still waiting would break the suspension of disbelief, a few years ok but not this long.
Also it would likely need much time to reconnect with them, some may have children (from MC or a other relation), have moved, if they are in a relationship u would need to break them up (don't like this option) ect. the story would need to take backseat for quite some time, otherwise the whole reconnection could feel rushed/unbelievable.