It's true that rules for ttrpg's can be loose depending on the effect you want. However, the gap of why remove diamonds without a reshuffle mechanic interrupted my enjoyment because I ended up rereading the rules repeatedly to see if I misunderstood something. So I stopped playing the game because I felt I was doing something wrong and was being stupid. I doubt I will go back to the game, clearly according to this I am kinda dumb for not rolling with the rule gap and thus not a fit player for the game.
I'm really sorry you felt that way, and that's the exact opposite of what I intended with the post.
I completely appreciate what you're saying about feeling like you've missed something, and I am exactly the same when it comes to reading rules. I in no why would think someone was dumb for feeling they had missed something - and being made to feel like that is the absolute pits - but I also have to make peace with the way I chose to make the game and the fact that it won't be for everybody.
As mentioned I am new to this, and I enjoy thinking over this kinda of question in the hopes that it will help me improve as a designer. I made a call while working on this game to not remove the rule but in anything I work on in the future I will keep this in mind and be sure I frame the question not only as "why should I leave it in" but also "why shouldn't I leave it out".
I sorry you weren't able to enjoy the game, and your reasoning is clear and understandable. Also appreciate your honesty and though I regret it came at you having a negative experience I have been given plenty to think on.
Well, I think plenty of other people will like the game. It has a good heart (hah) but yeah, it just isn't for me. I wanted to like the game so much, there's tons of potential, you know? It's a twist on journaling games I haven't seen before, but alas, it isn't for me. Perhaps another day and another game.