Yes, you could only progress through the first chimera fight by dying and picking 'submit'. The rest of the chimera battles don't have the part with the game over menu - the scenes will just progress directly after losing.
Thank you! Interesting!! I'm playing in short bursts and I'm still figuring out the game! So far I'm having fun!
Just got through my third encounter with a Chimera, I guess I am supposed to lose every time lol. Not that I'm complaining though!