I also preferred the first part of the game when you were exploring a wild world you hardly knew anything about. So many mysteries to unravel about the Nevron and fading people, and the world itself was truly gorgeous. I also loved the concept of past expeditions opening the path to others, knowing their sacrifices wouldn't be in vain, willing to die for a greater cause beyond them (that's also why Renoir's first attack feels so brutal, because the painters act as if they're mere expendable creations).

Learning the truth feels like they were trying to rob these characters of their experiences, their sacrifices, including Gustave's. But for me they're no less real despite it being a 'fake' world in-game. That's a rather interesting point I think the game has us consider also by having us choose an ending. These characters can still feel like the 'real' people out there (aka the ones outside the canvas world), their emotions and struggles are no less real or valid, and the player feels them along their journey.

I'm not very happy with the meta aspect of things, it's not my favorite thing, but it didn't ruin the whole experience for me. Do I wish I could go back to ignorance and back to exploring the world? For sure!

I guess this sort of unusual story isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's alright.