its great that you loved the game :) the crafting is a bit extensive in the first chapter since its the first game mechanism that was presented in the game, and the amount is reduced in later chapters. same with combat in the second chapter. so the game is less repetitive as you advance with the chapters (and the story keeps getting better :P).
so far, the masculine and feminine traits were mainly for helping you get the relationship points which are needed to establish relationships with the guys. topping and bottoming will (most likely) have to do with the guys' personal preferences, worldview, and the influence of your choices.