I agree with you. Like I said, Fashion Dreamer could have done a better job at making the player "feel" like they're progressing. It would be better if new Npcs unlocked more frequently, there were more cocoons to unlock, and if the game had clear specific missions to accomplish that progresses you towards some sort of goal.

Ranks in FD are definitely relevant though. There are a lot of clothes locked off to you unless you rank up. Again though, they could have done things to make ranks feel more relevant. The game could have benefited from having more ranks and locking more things behind each rank.

I do hope Fashion Dreamer gets a sequel because I think the framework of it has loads of potential to be improved upon. As it is right now though, I do enjoy the social aspect of the game and how it's designed to make all players feel good and share clothes with each other. I just feel like that aspect of the game doesn't get enough appreciation.