I know I can be an obnoxious ass. So I find it great that you respond to my, kind of rude, criticism. I really appreciate that.
I think the idea of the intro and the other scene as a daydream is great and it spares you time because only the text needs to be changed and the renders can stay as they are.
But you have an obvious problem understanding what the appeal of a harem is
-> we Play Harem games to get all the women. So doing those changes only on the true Natsumi Route would literally do nothing for me(us).
I get it the story is your baby and you are reluctant to get rid of it. You tried something fresh and I give you huge respect for doing so. But there is no shame in realizing and admitting that something you think is cool, is not working as it should (or not wanted) and making the necessary changes.
I get you, I really do. Sometimes I think of features a program could have in addition to what the customer wants to add something more, something special. But if the customer doesn't want those additional features. I have to take them out, even if I think the Program would be better with them.
I came in this threat when the game got first posted because of the Harem tag and then I played it even with the beginning because I liked Natsumi, but the more I got attached to her the more I hated the intro.
TLDR: If you don't make changes to the Harem Route, I (and probably some others) will still give you shit.
Dev never said it will become sandbox But that it will have different Routes -> and if he pulls through we are in for real gem
so dont dismiss it right away but maybe wait till the rework is done.
We could have something really good coming our way.
Edit:
SteradianFauns Please for the love of god, can you just don't go sandbox. A simple VN with simple decisions would be great, don't overcomplicate things. You only need two triggers in the game. The decision is if you want the Love/Harem-Route or Natsumi solo, and then later if you reign in Natsumi or let her go of full yandere style. That is all it would take. You already have another game. If you want to finish them anytime soon, don't make yourself more work than necessary.