I'm an avid reader of The Wayhaven Chronicles so I know of it, though I can see some similarities. I wouldn't say the two are one in the same.
1. I can understand where you're coming from as a reader. Now that I'm creating my own game, I will say that as much as we as writers try to give you as many choices as possible. Keep in mind this is still a story, our story and if I've created my story with romance as a core component then that's what stays. I'll also admit that I care very little for stories solely based on platonic relationships, as much as you're disinterested in certain aspects, so am I.
From a writer's point of view I admire the fact that Mishka has even made a platonic route available, but as a reader I have played that route before and it does seem a little rushed. But like everything else in life, that's what happens when you don't take an interest in something, you simply don't care. Not the way that you do for the parts that truly drive you, and for her it's romance.
Though I will say that I do also find the 'forbidden' characters attractive, you have to keep in mind again that it's her story. If she has a specific vision, and doesn't see the story continuing with certain characters then it is what it is. I know it's a disappointment because I love Falk from book 2 and would certainly like the opportunity to romance him, but coding is a b*tch and if what I want doesn't match the writers vision, then tough luck for me.
That's why fan fiction is out there in the world, headcanon whatever you want. Hell why not give making your own game a try, I did. Because I also didn't like being spoon fed certain things, scenes in the game, having limited choices etc. To the point where I actually got up and decided to make my own. If what you want out there in the world isn't available, create it.
2. The MC is a 'loner' within the game for a specific reason, it's not a set character trait. Simply a long-term behavioural trait & coping mechanism that can change overtime. So you're free to think how you want about the team in the game. Love them, hate them, have them grow on you, stay set in your ways. Like some, dislike the others, it's up to you.
Just know that your behaviour towards them will affect how they treat you, especially if your behaviour is without reason. Your attitude & how you present yourself will also lock you out of certain scenes, e.g. If you're rude to Tobias, your poor relationship with him will lock you out of certain 'wholesome' scenes. E.g. him talking about his past etc.
However, if your MC is let's say stuck-up or lazy, even if you're nice to him, he simply won't like you back. So though he could possibly be cordial with you, he simply won't like you. Thus, any romance route with him will be locked, as he finds the personality traits above to be absolute deal-breakers. Now if your MC was let's say laid back, but still hard working then you may still be able to romance him.
The whole idea is to give you as many choices as I can possibly code, whilst also giving you a taste of the real world. And in the real world, some people simply won't be attracted to you, hell they might even hate you. As I also want my other characters, besides the MC to have their own personality and free will.
3. I plan to flesh out that scene more, and give players the option to turn Lars down. However, much like real life sometimes one is forced to conform. Eg. Paying taxes, attending school, working a job you hate to make ends meet. And although, the MC is top tier within their field, Lars is at the top of the food chain. So as good as the MC is, if Lars blacklists them within the police department or anywhere else for that matter, that's it.
No one within a 100 mile radius would accept the MC anywhere if Lars dictates as such, It will also later be explored within the game why he is so reputable, but just know that no one would be begging the MC to come back anywhere, their career is essentially over. Though honestly, Lars is actually doing you a favour by using this method, and the MC will soon later learn the reasons as to why.
Secondly, not 'simple' I think you seem to be under the impression that though this is a interactive game, that everything within it bends to your will, which it won't. Team 1 would never officially join your department, they're employed by Kaedent and though they're sent to essentially 'babysit' you.
They would never be crazy enough to join within your ranks completely, neither would they want to. Kaedent is leagues ahead of the MC's department, they're the most revered team within Kaedent and Lars simply wouldn't have them expendable to your department at all times.
And quite frankly your idea simply doesn't fit my vision, which is why I have no interest in it, as it overcomplicates things. And coding that idea in would simply be a nightmare, doesn't matter if other people enjoy my work if I the creator do not. Which is why I tell people this all the time, you never know how hard something is until you do it yourself.
I want you to also keep in mind that many writers do this as a hobby, it's not our job. We're not being paid enough or at all to do this, we're simply sharing what we like with you, in the hopes that you may like it too. We try to make everyone feel happy and included, but at the end of the day we're not obligated to do a thing.