Yeah, so far that's impression I got.
Deviations exist, mostly to enable better characterization, OG fan-theory and making things more sensible (and faster so they can fit it into PS5).
Besides, the ending pretty much raise question I mentioned on previous post.
Which one better for Cloud, a new, temporary world as shown by cracked sky where Aerith lives or keep it same, things went as OG dictates.
Marlene believed latter is better, because it will free Aerith from cat-and-mouse game of influencing Cloud perspective of world against Sephiroth.
Note that on final battle, Cloud started the fight with empty gauge unlike others. Implying he's not on heightened emotion state.
So we're back to basic. If Cloud wanted to break free from Sephiroth reign, he have to accept process and outcome of OG. Maybe next time with Aerith and Zack goad him just like how he improvised Omnislash in AC instead of just pitch-black room.
