Hi Edyrn, unfortunately I'm already 2/3 through writing the next chapter, so it's too late to change to just women. Lara not knowing it's the charity members using her in the playroom is addressed at the start of the next chapter (along with more gaslighting by Sam and Sarah, to make it seem like they were doing her a favour).
Changing from Winston to Hillary is a strategic move on Sarah's part. Winston is Lara's last anchor to her former life. Even with his changed opinion towards Lara, she'll still be aware of his disapproval. Hillary, in addition to being completely loyal to Sarah, will support Lara's new lifestyle. Over the coming e, he'll make himself indispensable to Lara and ensure she stays on the right course. The choice is also a nod to the butler from the original Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider movies (and poor old Winston is getting old and would probably need to retire soon anyway).
The gloryhole fan events are going to be a weekly thing, hence limiting numbers. Also, I wasn't chasing numbers for that scene, because I new bigger events were scheduled for later. I wasn't aware I wasn't describing Lara's enjoyment enough. I'll make a more conscious effort to do so - I think I got focused on moving the plot forward. As for the lack of mention of the Siberian torture, I think Lara wouldn't want to think about it, because of how guilty she feels about betraying Jonah, and how much it crushed her self-confidence being so easily defeated by the Trinity soldiers.