Okay welp I think I can do compliance route, because of the fact that stranger will knock the shelf down himself if I don't do it (it comes back if I ever enter though, but the one entry should be enough for Compliance, I think. I don't see why Austin and Riley would go in twice, maybe to grab some sauce idk.) Anyway yeah that can be a temporary work around to... not kill everyone's save files haha- only stranger's quest will be locked out.
Anyway, now that I'm done with that, the game genuinely has really great vibes. I don't know, something about it feels realistic enough despite it being... not really, with the parasite thing going on. I miss Austin and Riley being friends tho馃槶 (though imo mercy ending is still the best.) anyway i guess that's what TCOI memories is for! ^w^
Also playing through Memories, does Herb happen to be Stranger? Or am I delusional?