Love the new party-system direction your going in! Definitely fits the game more IMO, as you progress the game with the gals, you get to know em more and unlock scenes with just like any other RPGs! That reminds me of BG3/dragon age where you get to romance your companions. I don't mind the name change, but the Brave as is good! Maybe the hero gets "braver" as he meets new gals to join his party.
As for weapons for the gals,
Ria - spears could work for her (as sword&shield might be redundant to the hero, and staff would be magical, so another melee weapon like spear is great for her, or a bow!)
Maxi - definitely dual guns, or even crossbows
Polly - yup, definitely magical gal
Cynthia - another magical gal, but with whips. Great choice!
Lyra - yup daggers/thief archetype
Tulle - she could be a healer archetype I guess? Don't know about her weapon tho, maybe slingshots? Or rod?
Mrs. Misaki - could be stereotypical, but Katanas lol or fists/monk archetype
Vivianna - another healer type maybe? Maybe staff or mace + shield?
Plus another gal that could fit the "knight" and "warrior" role.
Anyway, I appreciate your work to this and don't put so much pressure on yourself! Keep doing good work! I always look forward to your updates to this game. All the best!