Thank you for your thoughts!
You'll be able to help Carlos grow gradually more comfortable with his sexuality as ZAGS progresses.
You're right that Malik (and Nate and Jake) wouldn't be "natural" first choices for Carlos to date, but I think part of what makes dating interesting is growing close to (and then falling for) the most unexpected people. I think Carlos actually really admires Malik's (and Dan's, and James') openness, even if he himself isn't quite there yet.
The alpha is going to be ready for March, but it'll be missing a lot of content. The final release of the game is still on track for late this year.