This all seems fair! TftC - like Lost & Found games overall - is definitely more towards the 'journaling' aspect of journaling game, where the game is in the structures around time, being prompted to change things, etc. While I didn't want to make it a rule, one thing I've done in the past is rolling for pilots, amount of time, and prompt. Granted, you might need to do some re-rolls or get some odd-sided dice like a d7, but the randomization might help!
In any case, thanks for giving it a try, and I'm glad you liked LATSW! Finally, with cards, dice, and blocks in the mix I have high hopes for your The Cog That Remains experience!