Wow, you guys really don't like the idea.
I should clarify a few things.
1. The LoI MC wouldn't be a direct antagonist, that'd largely be Zel, in fact, the LoI MC won't be there for more than a total of three scenes. I'm too far ahead in the script to make any changes in this regard.
2. The game wouldn't have worked as a VN, I've thought about it for a long time and the story wouldn't fit.
3. The game wouldn't get abandoned
4. It'll be pretty short. A bit similar to the battle of bulges but with way fewer characters and instead of the threat of another guy fucking the girls, you'd have the threat of Zel trying to kill you and the girls to contend with.
4. I wouldn't be doing the coding, it'll either be Rich or some other guy I'll hire. It'll probably be Rich. I'd get his opinion on the topic and see if the sandbox is feasible or not. If not, I'd begrudgingly turn the game into a VN.
5. The skill tree won't be huge, in fact, it'd be minimal but it'll be interesting. Same goes for the sandbox, it'll be comparable to the sandbox in pervert action: timelapse by BBBen.
Worst case scenerio, I overreach and cut a few features down to stay on the deadline. If it turns out to be a bad game, it won't be for the lack of trying. Although, I've no reason so far to think that it will. The proofreader that has reviewed the script so far likes it and is curious to see more of it. I'd say wait for the first build to come out and tell me what you think then; if it doesn't work then I'll make the necessary changes.