Someone in the ideas thread noted that taking a loan seems like the only way to play
Yeah, that was probably me :D
What I'm saying is, what this game needs is a simple, viable strategy, which can act as a tutorial. Players can then continue from there or start anew with wanton choices.
I'm thinking also to prevent idols from becoming hostile due to "being in an unsuccessful/inactive group" for the first 12 months or so from the start of the game. You're joining a brand new company, what do you expect? If it's an older company then perhaps you have a valid concern.
My secondary gripe about the early game (particularly if it's your first ever game of Idol Manager) is that it's so ridiculously easy to research something you would never be able to use yet and therefore waste research points. Why can I research all manner of lyric genres when we haven't built a dance studio yet? Alright, maybe there are valid reasons, but a warning would be nice. "You're not going to be able to use this until such and such. Unlock anyway?"