ahhh that's actually rly interesting re: shrinking your game file! mostly my advice for people is to not use rtp assets but these resources sound really useful + interesting. i know you have a tough setup but it would be really nice to see screenshots of your progress so far--you don't even really have to have animation to show off rpgmaker maps.
rpgs are tough because they are very content focused--and it's tough to get content right in two weeks. i think the best advice i have is to constantly run your script + game by other people! i do this a lot and people are very upfront when my stuff is very snooze or exposition-y or letting me know when they're confused!