Looking fantastic so far. I like the hilly gradient in the third screen. It creates a deep perspective without making the foreground feel flatter. I also like the attention to light and shadow. As far as the symmetry concerns go, I say it depends. For instance buildings tend to be built symmetrically and in repeating patterns so that's not much of an issue. The only place I see a possible issue is in the third screen where the trees trunks (I'm not sure that's what they are, just guessing) are very similar in size and distance from the kiosk. But, I wouldn't see it as a problem if they had been planted rather than naturally placed.
At any rate, I'm sure the lull is only temporary. You sound genuinely inspired to make this level. I'm very much interested to see how the story unfolds. It sounds too complicated for the KS engine. I'm hoping you're on to a brilliant new way to manage a plot in a Knytt story.