My intention wasn't really to argue about if I'm right or wrong. The way I see it, we just have different views. From what I understood you believe that in dark fantasy mode the challenge should be welcome and being very hard makes it a game that can be played for other reasons, than just relief. I totally respect that, but I feel like it is unnecessarily difficult, there is a difference between being strategic and just trying to find the correct path to be railroaded. That makes the impact of your choices meaningless, since in order for you to see more content and actually, clear the game, you have to follow a specific path. Very few choices change that path drastically, but the path is still there. That's not sandbox and I believe their intention is to make one. I agree dark fantasy should have a level of difficulty but not, to get you frustrated or miss the fun or being in tryhard mode. This transition from being railroaded to being strategic is very simple... more secondary content.
Also, why is it good to play it multiple times just for some extra scenes ? It's not like other games, where the story and the ending are completely different. For me is two times max, if you clear it two times and have seen the most material possible, is not worth it to go for a third. Just watch the gallery.
It's an adult game, you see from the content that it is not a normal visual novel. It needs much plot and secondary material that plays a role and not just shag or kill, in order to make you start considering that this might be a "very sexual" visual novel. And as you have already observed, it can be done. Heliose which is our favorite character is probably the only character that has depth, development and her scenes have impact to the player (not the character). And i love that, but there are thing that need to be addressed first, before we get to that level.
Finally, everything I said is because I see great potential in this game. It could turn into a fine sandbox and maybe eventually an open world. But I strongly believe that is wrong to keep building on top and add more content to the existing characters, when the foundations are trembling. They should put more secondary content in Acts 2 & 3, especially in 3, where is the basic right now. Help you raise your stats in act 2 and have fun while preparing for the showdown in act 3. With something that simple, you could have some difficulty since you take into consideration stats, you don't miss the fun of being a dragon and if you want... unload a fat one. Everyone wins.