Chet had seemed fine to me, but new one makes him look so much better, I can't say about the hair color though. Byron definitely pops now, compared to the original seemed flat. Sounds like you are planning on making general story content (linear, but flavored by route) and route specific content in between? I've gotten to know Quang some, haven't talked to Chet, but think I'll like him too, but that species bias there ^^; (Carnivorous Mammals, namely Felines and Canines) (However not that Kitty, he is way too forward and promiscuous for my taste ^^;), but when I play a VN I try to interlace my thoughts and feelings and actions with that of the MC, the same way Simon's soul is now with Aaron's. Because of this and having a strong desire for the best friend and/or first you meet, I am compelled to do Daniel's route first.
As far as camels are concerned, they know how to hump, humpty dumpty Wednesdays! XD