There is a story in universe, called "A good death". It makes it seem that you don't necessarily have to die to encounter Kindred. This is basically the scenario from this story.
“No,” said Lamb, “though it is a nice thought. Fear not, little maiden, we are just having our fun. You have come to us tonight; we have not come for you.”
So I think the ult is fine in that way.
About Wolf not being integrated in the gameplay that much, I talked about this quite a bit in discussions about Kindred. I used to share the same thought, but over time, I changed my mind. I think it might actually be intended and makes good sense thematically.
Kindred are a representation of the Yin and Yang motive. Two opposites complimenting each other, I am sure you are aware of that.
Lamb is the female, wolf is the male. Wolf knows nothing, but feels everything. Lamb feels nothing, but knows everything. Lamb is calm, calculated, and gentle. Wolf is impulsive, aggressive (you could go as far as calling him cruel), and driven by his emotions.
And that's the reason why I think Kindred's gameplay makes sense. Lamb is the one we are controlling. Because Lamb is the logical, controlled side of Kindred. Wolf is impulsive and pretty much uncontrollable. Just like in the game, it seems that lamb can just tell wolf what he should or shouldn't do, but there is no direct control over him.
That's why I think that it makes sense that wolf is pretty much driven by an AI in the W instead of a controllable entity by itself. It works with their thematics that we take control of the part of Kindred, which is actually controllable, while the impulsive uncontrollable side can be unleashed, but not directly played by us.
