Once it goes over the limit and the character says that there is no going back it cannot be reversed. Even if you possibly tweak the variable with save edit/ cheat engine then the game might just outright break/ nothing happens/changes since the event flags have already been set.Thank you, I really needed this. Once you go over the limit, can it be reversed, whether by in-game mechanic or by tweaking the variable ?
The best way to experience the story of this game is by not going "free mode", go the intended mode for story by the dev (locking the true route in the first playthrough). Then unlock the conditions of B ending (Brutal ending) by picking the red option (enable choice color in setting) everytime it appears in dialogue and keep crushing the weird looking cursed insects when you see them. Always keep saving, and when the game gives you a choice what ending you will get (B or C) then you can finish the two "routes"/ required ending to unlock the true route in 2nd playthrough.
There is not much difference in the gameplay of B ending playthrough and C ending playthrough. It's still all "collapse route". The only difference is that B ending is more stricter in requirements than C (C is default ending that you get when you have not reached the requirements for B or True ending/A).
But if you REALLY enjoy the gameplay then you can go three playthroughs. Playthrough 1 would be B ending, 2 would be C and 3 would be A/True ending. This would matter if you want to collect all characters/party members since certain characters are "locked" behind level 3 collapse (brutal increase) or lvl 3 Lust (lust increase). Do note that you need lvl 3 collapse for B ending, while Lvl 3 lust does not unlock anything but a new party member that is exclusive to that.
Since Route A/ True route will make you utilize ALL party members it might be worth it to collect them all for the heck of it if you've enjoyed the story/gameplay.
Also increase the difficulty once you get to new playthrough since your high level in the next playthrough will easily trivialize most enemies. Even in the true route I've played in the highest difficulty (severe) and 99% of enemies are a joke, some of them gave a challenge though.