Hi Todd.
1.yes, but not having read the original, I didn't really know what is his motives or personality or the setting.
2.No.
3.The rate of progression seems nice, enough passages on the focus of each paths...except for the first part.
I think the biggest issue for me is just that without a introduction to the world, I felt a bit lost. Probably in the final version this won't be a problem. The portray of different characters is really good, which sets up the mood nicely. Though I think in the beginning, having to make a choice continuously is a bit unnecessary or a little bit of stressful. Because I started to think that either those choice leads to a different path or affect some hidden values. Or if they don't affect anything I'll feel like it doesn't really matter. I would say that the choices themselves are nicely written, and it would be really good if they don't come in quick succession.