Aeon, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! It's incredibly validating to read what you've had to say about this project. (Especially as I really enjoyed your Pride Jam 4 project and what it did so much.)
I am personally delighted that the art direction really made an impression on you. The BGs were a product of necessity, but when I was researching them, I put a lot of care into it. (Fun fact: all the Misty Lake locations are of one state park in Michigan, since the Scarlet Devil Mansion is "western" in origin and we wanted to make sure the area surrounding the lake reflected that feeling.)
I'm happy you reached the Aya good ending, and I hope you're able to experience all of the endings whenever you are ready to return to the game.