Well, I just don't think we're going to agree. Your examples of multiple storylines seems intentionally obtuse. Becoming part of a charity as a celebrity basketballer isn't a big stretch. The Riker storyline was a bit wild, but it was still a good crisis moment that the group and the MC had to overcome. Not every storyline within a series has the same significance. There are overarching stories and individual character development or relationship developments. An immersive world is like that because that's how the real world works. Everyone's the protagonist of their own stories and it's how all those stories overlap that give depth to the fictional world.
I also think you're making a lot of assumptions about the story that come out of left field. I don't think it's fair to say there hasn't been any basketball. At first it was mostly training and getting to know the team. And there were a lot of problems with the team. Lots of practice, and gradually solving all those problems. Then the match against Jax' team. The story is definitely there. The MC himself also said relatively recently that he wants to focus on basketball more. So it's safe to assume that the story will shift back to that.
The assumption that they'll move again is pretty unwaranted. It's a big safe house with plenty of room. That's the thing about side-characters. They don't all move in and become major LIs. So it's good padding that creates interesting side-stories that don't gravitate towards the center.
So I think on the creative end, we fundamentally disagree. I've been writing stories for decades and have a vivid imagination. I'm a software engineer but don't make VNs. But I like wild creativity. The story is still consistent enough and stays within its general theme.
You can worry about how long it will take him to finish, or whether he will abandon it or not. Those are always legitimate concerns, but ultimately boil down to the passion the creator has for his work. I would consider it unfortunate, but I would still appreciate what he has created so far.
I just think people get too hot-headed. I think it's better to be supportive and kind, rather than adding stress and criticism and endless suggestions on what he should do with the story. Especially if you want him to keep creating it. It's counter-productive to make him feel like crap about what he's made. When a painter is creating a painting you don't complain that it doesn't look good yet before he's finished. Because you don't know what they envision as the final product. A vision which hasn't even entirely crystalized.
Congratulations on beating the big C. Like I said, nothing personal we just have different beliefs on the creative process. Creating something is a journey. And as someone who has tried his hand at it, you should know it's easier to critique than to create. You shouldn't try to limit or dictate someone else's art (even if it's an adult VN).
