You're assuming that I was able to access the scripted content faster than average but that isn't really true. I've played through the game twice at different stages in its development and I had different experiences with pacing. I enjoyed the game during the scripted content, and I enjoyed it when I was wandering the world for long periods of time between scripted sequences. This is why I think it succeeds, even in the traditional RNG "Worst-case scenario", I still found the experience to be engaging. I found value regardless. You might not, and that's fine! But, in my opinion, this game would lose a lot of its impact if a player could brute force rush through the more quiet parts in order to access all scripted content ASAP. I know that would have lessened my experience.
I feel the same way. Even when I was wandering I was having a good time. It always felt like a dream (which makes sense, it was in LSDJAM 2023). I personally am totally fine with the game being a visual novel and exploration sandbox, I just think some people didn't know that was the experience they were signing up for. I think that's mostly what it comes down to.
I also agree that personally a "skip" button would have made the experience worse for me.