Just to be transparent, we are still in development. Right now, we want it to be linear in a way. Plus, I dont want it to complicate things after chapter 3. While I do agree I will need to revisit old mechanics, its not the right time. While we are making a game, which needs gameplay, it still all about telling a story, so we need to do that first.
I actually mentioned this in an old question, but the game will eventually have a rehaul after we release 1.0 (new sprites, more choices, and more bad endings huehuehue).
As for the Joseph CG, we do want to change it somewhat but I kinda find it funny the face is covered because youre too focused on his... health. So we keep it for now until we might change the cg entirely.