imo for the question "Is a visual novel “missing the point” by not including choices?" the answer is almost always no. it's not required to have choices, it's a VN. thats basically just another form of digital book. choices are nice and alternate paths are nice, but never necessary since it's a visual novel, not a choice based game. unless you specify and say the game is choice based and your choices change things, options and other endings and such are not required in VN's.
Viewing post in Why No Choices? A quick essay. comments
My feelings as well. I may have overstated that particular issue somewhat, because in the greater VN community this may already be well-understood. I’ve just had it personally pointed out to me several times that not including choices in the visual novel medium is a weakness of game design. Obviously, I disagree with that sentiment. 😅