Thank you for playing the game and for the detailed feedback!
Most of these issues we were aware of, but weren't able to get to before release. For the way we delivered the story, I think we took a bit of a risk with the non-verbal communication, and though it was meant to be more abstract, some subtleties can get lost in the process. This is one of the key things we would refine given more time. It is definitely an idea I will personally iterate on. The feeling that your decisions didn't matter is the last thing we want.
Really happy you enjoyed and connected with the athmosphere of our game!