Thanks for taking the time to write! I've worked with a few other engines before, and my problem is with me. I can't finish a game if I have too much options. I just go bigger and better and more intricate at every turn, getting stuck in details. That's what I love about the extreme restrictions in pico-8 - you can't go overboard.
With that said, there's always a small chance I have opportunity to recreate this as a bigger game, then a full blown engine will have its place for sure!
Thanks again for commenting and playing :)