Long as you keep us informed on progress/reasons for holdups, I fursonaly don't mind having to wait. I'd guess, depending on how far you/your team is willing to go, to aim for about 20 to 30 characters (this includes main 4), which could all have varied levels of involvement, especially if their screen time is made to be based on decisions made for activities (so they technically have equal screen time, by it varies based on choices/per playthrough). Obviously the more notable the role/overall screen time would also be good to determine how many sprite variations (expressions) to have. I may be overestimating a bit from being too eager to see what is planned, but I feel you know what you are doing and discussing it too.