for the most part, i stick with westernized otomes because the MCs can be humorous and have a a bit more of a backbone, which I appreciate. if the MC is the "g-gomenasai! waaaah someone save me >O<" type, it immediately makes me want to drop the entire story - not because i self insert, but...
faceless and gray+bald MCs :( i just cant bring myself to like it. completely breaks the immersion. they look like they're making out with a mannequin.
the types i love are shy and blushy ones that easily fold, tsunderes or mean ones in general that are also easy to fluster, quiet guys, and the happy-go-lucky ones - bonus points if they are secretly depressed or arent as they lead on.
what a good question! gameplay can really make or break an experience, but i personally like it. it adds a bit more liveliness to it, whether its going from point a to b or having to furiously click to raise a bar. as long as its not repeptitive or annoying, im on board with it.
i'm personally not a fan of the faceless MCs...they look a little goofy to me, but they don't make me wanna completely drop the story, its just...a bit of a turn off..