Hey there!
Marvin here, one of the three creators.
Thanks alot for your friendly and very detailed thoughts! Some of them we definetly agree with and I think you nailed some things on the first sight, great spot. We worked and tested some alternative ways to fill the reserves (on rolled 1s, on rolled 6s i.e.), but none felt great to play and often ended up overflowing the reserve. With more time and playtests we would have probably found a better implementation, but for now the problem stands, especially with big player numbers; it's less of a problem with 3-4 players (hence the remark at the beginnign of the rulebook). Perhaps something for a 1.1?
While GSU was designed to be an pick up and play ruleset, we tried to mimic the crunch with Challange Characteristics (great to hear, that you like them so much! They just were adding and adding once we started making scenarios). That's part of the reason, why the game is so much about the player agency and doesn't have a real loose-condition. If you want to feel like a badass - you will!
Once again thanks for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated and I am happy that you like the game! Perhaps it (or parts of it) will find the way onto your table some time :)
Much love from Germany
Marvin