Yeah you don't technically *have* to do it but it feels like too big a part of the game. Those checks will constantly be there even if you are bad at them so I feel like most people will probably want to take advantage of them at least some of the time. At least for the first 2 or 3 playthroughs I've got to have those because it feels like where a lot of reactivity comes from.
Yes, as mentioned: Just because those checks are there, doesn't mean the game requires anyone to attempt or pass them. A lot in the game is 'there', and a lot of it is 'big' - no matter what you do, you will "miss" the majority of the game in one playthrough.
I'd really not recommend telling players they should worry about it. I believe the best way to play this game is with a character that lines up with player's preferences, who can experience what players want them to experience.
