At this position I can only say whatever road you choose Good Luck! It will be hard to transition but you seem to have clear ideas on how to proceed, so I hope it'll go the way you want.
It's been years since I started following this game and it's honestly one of the best of its kind. You made something great and its now time to push it on higher heights.
I'm in no position to provide financial support but I'll be sure to keep on eye on progress and share the word where I can. You're far from alone.
I'm kinda curious (and a bit anxious) about the new art style and how we'll link back to known characters, but I'm in the boat and I'll stay until it either sinks or hopefully moors at destination. At least, you're not the first to take that road of parting with KK and it have been successful given enough tenacity.
(I refrained to post on Discord as it's quite stormy there now. I'll come back when the waters go back quiet. Don't let the gale of comments blow you away 😊)