Clearly the average poster on itchio is not indicative of the AVN community at large. They're just the most vocal. Everyone I have talked to among the various communities I am in holds up Mist as one of the best games they've played in a long time. Several developers I am friends with credit you as being the inspiration by which they decided to try not just having the medium be a simple choose your own adventure where the only choices are which girl you want to be with.
The fact of the matter is, you are treading your own path. There is nothing out there like the work you produce and basic bitches are gonna basically bitch. So anything that deviates from the same old tired formula is going to be hit with hate and complaints. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be done, though. Innovation is the means by which we progress and make something fantastic that the world has never seen before. Take that to heart, and never let the bitching and moaning and whining of some vocal minority get to you and stop you on this mission you've set for yourself. If there is ever anything I can do to help, let me know.