They did some neat things, looking forward to playing it myself. Although I dislike that they severed some of the mythic paths from the true ending, especially the legend path (I wanted to play that one)... although I guess it kind of makes sense.
Trying to remember because I watched it a long while ago, but I think episode 9 (if you make it that far) is the end of the first "arc". I would say try to get to episode 9 and if you still don't like it, then drop it.
I mean if you are not liking the first part, really no point in going for the second one. The first part is a slow burn definitely and is really a highschool slice of life afair.
Yeah, that's kind of judging the book by it's covers. It's been a while since I watched it but it's one of the better drama animated series. Also there is no harem, don't know where you got that from.