You're not the first, nor will you be the last to say these things, OP... much to many folks' collective chagrin. There is not really answer to everything you're saying here - there are no excuses or apologies to be made, because it's all just as you say, more or less.
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It feels like someone who only just heard of Forgotten Realms wanted to take all the most over the top content and cram it all into the first chapter.
This in particular hits the nail very much on the head. It feels like this, because this is exactly what has happened.
Nevertheless, thank you for taking the time to sit and write this up- every voice counts, especially when it's anew voice chiming in fresh and coming to the same conclusion on their own. If you can spare the time and effort, I'd like to strongly encourage you to submit this to Larian's direct feedback form (from the launcher), just to send your particular voice to them directly.
