I don't think they were intending to surprise you with the perspective switch. Simon clearly doesn't get it, but they're trying to make it very clear just how horrifying what is happening to him is.

But yeah, I like the game and I have to say it's a much less miserable experience when you turn off the monster aggro. It's existential horror and it's a bit hit or miss at times, but I feel like when it does hit it hits hard.