First of all, I LOVE receiving reviews like this. It helps me improve a lot! Thank you!
I wanna start with the end of your review; Do not worry, this review is just as helpful as monetary support. And no matter if I expand the game after v1.0 or add DLCs or extra content, they will always be entirely free.
The story is super important to me. It is really difficult to create a story that makes sense from start to finish with so many characters and, on top of that, to follow "gameplay guidelines" that make sense.
That's why I decided to follow the exact pattern you mentioned before; they have their own stories and problems, but it ultimately leads to a unique plot/end. I'm creating the story with that on my mind in every step that I take.
Minor spoilers:
Yes, there's a big problem with that scene. If I'm being honest, I remember specifically adding those lines so their arrival in town isn't an ultra-deus-ex-machina coincidence XD.
With the new update and the future rework of the tutorial (Before the MC reaches Sealed Town), Maria only implies that she will go to a ghost town and give small hints. Leticia will just go along with it and believe it'll be perfect to go there.
I also plan to add some dialogue to Ari so he "begs" the MC to return before they leave when she's at the cliff with Narissa.
There are lots of things that are really old and need improvement, but yeah, let's go one by one! XD
End of spoilers
I cannot wait for players to play Chapter 1. I really believe that many flaws have been repaired... just a little bit. If you want to talk about certain themes or almost daily (sometimes weekly) sneak peeks, you can join the Discord and try the #hhg-discussion or #dev-log channel.
Thank you!