Our Life: Beginnings and Always is a game which brings me solace, which has healed some trauma, which makes me cry with joy, which I recommend to absolutely everyone, and is a game I have 163 hours in (on Steam, plus I have all the DLC). I will wait however long I need for OL:N&F, though I admit, I'll probably start playing it in Early Access despite preferring full releases--I just don't think I'll be able to wait past November anymore!
Your plans sound great; do whatever you need to keep your team productive, functional and happy!
And . . . . just a sidenote--if you ever get the urge to make a Cliff-centric VN, I swear I will give you all the monies. After Cove leaves home, Cliff has a lot more time, right?? He could date! I'm just saying. :D