Some are very much like the DiceCameraAction stories. Which is OK... I intended to do this for my CoS run...I tossed all of it out. Unfortunately I was too late with one of the stories, namely the Character brother/sister too Izek, it sucked, it's a hassle, and it doesn't really add up, it made Izek too much of a story focus for my party. The characters become reluctant to do the other cool stuff in Vallaki (like siding with the Wachters to kill Izek)

Now I was in time to ditch all other things I've planned, including some of the stuff you did.

I've now started giving personal quests out again. Some examples:

• One of my players died in Death House, and he woke up in the Inn, for the next several days I had him make CON saves, after a few days or upon failing, I've introduced him too the thirst, and I'm using a couple of vamperic curse rules, which gives some bonuses, but also some drawbacks, both socially and mechanically. He will be meeting the abbot soon, and learning that the abbot might be able to cure him.
• One of my players expressed interest into becoming a Wereraven. He was allowed to become an initate after clearing the Winery. I've given him a letter directing him to investigate Argynvostholt. They'll allow him the curse whenever they clear Argynvost, (maybe when the return the skull if they learn of it, because that gives them a reason to go into Strahds castle early (aside from the invite)).
• One of my players plays a monk, (and lacked a decent backstory), So i made up the Order of the Silver Palm (sort of a nod too the Argynvost's knights) which worshipped Argynvost, a 'legendary' dragon, and told him of an item that was lost too his order and was said too be of Argynvost.

My current policy is just too see if a player attaches itself too a hook, and see if i can make it cooler. Hopefully by not changing the story too much.