this is the one thing i don't understand about small developers of adult games. probably the most successful VN around is fate/stay night which has seen global success, spawned 3 movies, 2 anime series and countless fanfics. it has very little sex.
surely less 'porny' is the way to go? certainly what i would be looking to create if i had the wisdom to programme and/or animate my stories. all the top rated VN's have a story that captivates with either a brilliant story (fate/stay night just 1 example) or is very well written (kara no shojou i think its called is a bloody good example. 50's japanese horror/detective VN)
i honestly don't think it matters if developers create a slow burner, providing the writing is like a novel instead of the picture book writing so many decide on. of course this is just my opinion, but it does seem like food for thought
however, if you are looking to make a money spinner, might i recommend next creating something like brothel king or jack o' nines but with better art? THAT would get a lot of english speaking attention for sure
most brothel games i have played have ripped or terrible art and the few i have seen with half decent never got finished.
a massive undertaking but i've yet to see one finished
and honey select is just cheating