My thoughts align completely with yours on the gem choices stand point. The bonus scenes I planned on including would be worthwhile, and would enhance the experience, not take away because not everyone can or will pay for gems. It would just be extra scenes to see more of the characters, more of their stories, maybe visualization of their past life etc.
I love and appreciate this thorough list you gave! You included some amazing, harmless ideas that I had never even thought of making into a gem choice. I may borrow a couple of these ideas for my own story 
