I took a bit of a risk with this as an online adaptation because it only showcases ½ of the game (the mechanics). The theme is probably a bigger part of this game and its success, and theme really only shines when you’re sitting at a table with family and friends. And the negative guests are integral to the theme, as they are integral to every Romantic, Victorian, and Edwardian story that I have ever read.
Those who have no interest in the theme (the majority) and are seeking to tackle Obsession as an optimization puzzle will indeed have your reaction, and rightly so. It's a wobbly bicycle and many want a racecar. I am just happy there are countless racecars out there that do indeed give superb optimization puzzles. Obsession, for good or bad, is wedded to input randomness in service of theme.