---Spoilers ahead---
Don't worry, you're not missing out on much! Just little lore add-ons, if that makes sense! For your hint... try searching the trees in TWSTM! The codes are retroactive so you'll find one in the first game that you'll need to find the second game's secret and so on. (This stops at the fourth though.) And if you're not in the mood to search, you can always turn to youtube to check them out XDDD
As for the water, I think most players struggle in it so you're not alone! I was experimenting with puzzles and that one was more difficult than I intended... but congrats on beating it!
And thank you so much, I'm glad you're excited for it! I'm so close to finishing it so you won't have to wait long! (And haha no worries, I totally understand-and in fact, I respect people who stay out of social media... it can be a real life-ruiner these days if you're not careful. Still appreciate the sentiment just the same!)