LimeJuiceGames
I wanted to give some feedback regarding the brewing system. It looks like the game is going in a simulation direction, with more complex gameplay and realism. As the brewing system is currently implemented, I see two problems with it.
1. Its mandatory to make anything but the most basic drink. If the system is not used, the player basically can't progress beyond the early game (without cheating). This creates a punishment for the player if they don't use the system.
2. The simulation system is made in rpgmaker, which is rather cumbersome when it comes to customized screens and other necessary components like scripting of a simulation game.
There's not much to be done regarding the second point, except by keeping the simulation aspects to a minimum, but I do have an idea as to the first.
Instead of using the brewing system to make basic drinks, instead use it to make enhanced versions of existing drinks. They would automatically be sold as a substitute when a chud asks for a specific drink, though if none are available the unlimited basic drinks are used. The enhanced drinks bring a higher profit (lower costs), and raise reputation more as they are higher quality. What this does is turn a punishment into a reward. Players respond more favorably when their actions are rewarded then when they are forced to do things to progress. The player will still be encouraged to use the brewing system for more rapid progress (especially with money/rep sinks), but it no longer acts as a barrier to progress.
TL;DR - Unlimited basic drinks, brewing makes better drinks.