1. Yeah, you might be right about that. I forgot about the priest and the priestess netorase hints. Honestly, I couldn't care for it, I don't want Kirito to know about Asuna's infidelity. I like when the appearance of goodness and purity is maintained while a girl is corrupted privately. I like an oblivious MC.
2. If I was making a game like this, I'd start with the maps first. All the scenes, the actual animations, are done in another program and then gifs imported in. It probably helps structuring everything to have the maps done and set, so he can start moving the icons around, writing dialogue, etc.
I remember seeing screenshots of the FGO town being different now, so I assume it's coming back. I really hope so anyway, those were fun. And especially now that Asuna and Inoda's relationship is advancing.