I know that doesn't explain, well, anything, really. But to double down on the above, there is a reason you don't get a choice. While this is a game where choices matter, I am (unfortunately?) railroading the player to a certain series of events. Thus, some things are going to be forced to happen.
That's totally fine. Railroading is definitely needed at times and judging from your reply, it does sound like the alcohol issue is going to be relevant to the plot so it's understandable for the MC to "do something silly/out of character, and make the mistake by continuing drinking".
If you're open to any comment about this, maybe it'd help to add a small scene with someone like Alex (or other friends who knew about the issue) showing concern after/during all the drinking, just something small like "Make sure you don't overdo it next time" or "Let me know ahead of time if you want me to keep an eye on your drinking next time" or something like that. This will allow MC to continue drinking for future plot purpose but also give the acknowledgement that it is an issue and MC is doing something wrong that he didn't really want to.
On the side girls etc. I'm just hoping I'm able to give them enough time, really. That's the only little concern for me, that I won't be able to do enough with them, and perhaps that doing so might oversaturate the game. It's one of those time will tell things, though, so I guess we'll see!
I'm generally in the camp of "less is more" exactly because I think too many girls are simply too much work for solo devs that could end up overwhelming. However, I think this game can avoid that because you're already very clear about LI being the ones that can become MC's girlfriend while everyone else are side girls.
You also have the benefit that the game revolves around fraternity and sorority houses which means side girls can easily appear in groups so that a lot of their development can be done in group setting and then you only need the 1-on-1 scenes for those who are elevated to the sex scene. You basically just have to figure out which side girls are going to have sex scenes and which are not.
1. Those who are not going to have sex with MC can become like Ella where their sexy/nudity scene can be done in group setting.
2. Those who are going to have sex with MC can become like Mariah/Lucy where they get 1-on-1 scene without needing continuous major development every chapter as they are not going to be MC's girlfriend.
Hypothetically speaking, my expectation for Chapter 4's side girl content would be:
1. Ella to continue getting naked because she's an exhibitioninst that I expect to get naked every chapter
2. The next "Ella" side girls who won't get sex scene to have some sexy/nudity scene (maybe Kelly? Taylor?)
3. The next "Mariah/Lucy" side girls to have sex scene with MC. (maybe Molly? Rosie?)
But ultimately up to you. It's your game and I'm just here for the ride. You've done a great job so far and I'm sure you'll continue to do so.
