If I may suggest is that you make your game the way you envisioned it,
Studio44. For a narrative focus VN game, if you make beautiful renders, interesting & coherent plots, diverse characters ( that players can connect & relate to ), choices that matters, good amounts of lewds, among other things, people will play and even support it.
It is impossible to make a game that everyone will like & enjoy, that is for sure, but what worst is that making a game that you don't even like or enjoy. If you don't enjoy or like it, then most likely the players will not like or enjoy it too. So, first thing first, make a game that you like and enjoy
.
As far as 'expert' opinions telling this or that, or they like this or hate that, or players generally like this or hate that, you will never see the end of those, and just treat them with care and respect but you don't have to entertain any of them ( including my own opinions
). As with any other games on this site, they are much more silent players compared to the vocal ones.
Edit: It is also good to keep updating the OP with information, as to avoid being asking with too many questions ( some of which might have been answered before ).