Thanks for sharing your feedback!
Many people have made that point about having to try and solve the game using trial and error instead of "thinking it through". What is interesting to me is that "trial and error" involves a lot of "thinking it through"! I think if I can somehow nail giving the player confidence that they are playing well by exploring solutions, then the players might not be so hard on themselves.
I appreciate that you and many others liked like the quick reactions -- that was one of the only ways I could think of making exploring solutions more fun.
Anyway, I'm glad you had fun playing Line Bender!