The characters in the new version upgrade much faster than before, and I really like this.
However, I don't really like the changes in the new version of the gallery. Each character has 300 images, which means you need to complete dozens of levels in a specific order. Given the limited game mechanics, this is already a rather boring issue. It's extremely boring. So, I only completed each character's collection for two or three times and then gave up because the gallery's incentives alone weren't enough to keep me playing for several dozen rounds and having to follow a specific order to choose upgrades.
Whether you agree or not, my personal opinion is that before the game's gameplay is further improved (such as the new content you mentioned in the update announcement), it should revert to the original unlocking method.
I really like this game. It has great potential. Keep it up!
PS: Perhaps when the game becomes more refined, some external growth elements can be added to reward players for multiple playthroughs of the game.