I totally get where you're coming from! Linear and kinetic visual novels can sometimes feel more passive, like you're just along for the ride instead of actively involved. Some people enjoy that book/movie experience, but if you're craving interaction, it can definitely fall flat.
And yeah, with gore or 'naughtiness,' it's all about balance. If it doesn't fit naturally into the story, it can feel out of place or like it's trying too hard to be edgy. It needs to serve the narrative, not distract from it.
You're spot on about different niches having their audiences, though. People are drawn to familiar tropes like romance or violence because they evoke strong emotions, but yeah... a visual novel about stamp collecting? That might be a hard sell unless it's got some unique twist to make it engaging.