Haha yeah honestly, there's always something to do, and different ways to do so. When the PC was at the tech store I just wrote dialogue for the characters on the phone. No electricity? Just write ideas on paper XD
About the male, it's mainly the same deal as Astolfo (from Fate) or Bridget (from Guilty Gear). My tastes are fairly broad haha. I realize some people might not like it, that's why I won't force characters into the inn, every character except the main three girls, isn't mandatory. He could be at the inn too and attend events, and not be pursued romantically, that's up to the players to choose.
Someone else suggested to me the inclusion of an elderly woman,, and while I'm done adding extra characters for a long while now (for my own sanity drawing sprites), I'd like to add sex scenes between the parents of some of the LI. I guess in a semi-voyeur way. Sounds worse than when I picture the player stumbling at it and having a sweet short little scene. About the ages of characters, I have a ballpark with all of them, but purposely don't want have specifics myself.
About the scope, trust me friend, I have that in mind always. It's a big project, but having <30 characters, 10 being romanceable, doesn't sound too far fetched compared to other life sims. We will see if this becomes an Ikaros story, flying too close to the sun. But i really don't mind the time, I'll be doing this no matter what, it's my love in life at this moment.
Cheers Scott, thanks as always for the well wishes, hope you are doing great!