That’s factually not true. If you decide against Blake, you don’t get her Chapter 4 scene. And players who decline her don’t see her follow-up scene either — that’s just common sense. I even give you a chance to get back on her path in Chapter 9. It’s more than fair. Same with Claire in chapter 10 if you decide to cut all connection with her, in chapter 11 you are no longer close to her, thats not punishment. Thats the intended outcome.
In chapter 4, you don't decide against 'Blake', you turn down the opportunity to join the Brotherhood right away. This was not the decision I took, as it seemed premature to jump on the first opportunity, that put Noel at the mercy of the Brotherhood's orders. You were told you would be high level, but not the highest. We would have been taking orders. I decided to defer until other offers were made - as a player I was expecting to receive many different offers at the event. However, as I had turned down the General's initial offer (Noel said he was truthful, but did not comment on the quality of his offer - I did not act contrary to Noel). There was not opportunity to join with the Brotherhood after the bloodbath.
Again! Let me be clear, I in no way dislike the choices/consequences in AVNs! I absolutely agree with choices leading to consequences, it was more that statement that was made in the comments that there are no choices that lead to consequences 4 chapters later. The decision to not immediately join the Brotherhood avoids a number of choices opportunities, which are part Blake's path. There are no decisions (that I could find) you can make if you do not join the brotherhood in Chapter 9 that can lead back to her path.
I guess, looking back, If there was a chance when the bloodbath started, to directly tell Blake (before you knock her out) that seeing how they had just lost their leadership, you would join with the brotherhood to support them. However, I stand by the choices I made in ch 4 originally, to keep my team's options open, as it did not appear to be to be a yes/no path choice at the time.
I have kept both saves (choose brotherhood / not choose brotherhood) at ch 10, and I will continue the game on my original play (not choose brotherhood), but afterwards, I will go back.
OH, and in case it wasn't obvious: thanks for creating such a game, I really enjoy when you must stare at the options and weigh them. Nothing has me invested in a story as much as when I have to lean back in my chair and *think* and not just instinctively click. Secondly, thank you for replying and providing such a response.