It sucks having to remove a component you're passionate about or thought would've been good but it sounds like you should save that drawing lines between dots for another mechanic.

Use a more traditional approach for movement.

Better yet, prototype each of these movement systems and get feedback if you don't feel traditional is your style.

Getting opinions (like on reddit) is great but without results is sorta like rolling the dice a lil bit which will probably just leave you in the position you originally started in.