From what I've heard, the story takes the form of people in the present day discussing events that occurred in the 1940s. So there is still a time element, although it's nowhere near as complicated as in some of 07th Expansion's previous works.
I wouldn't say Ryukishi07 wrote himself into a corner. Of his previous works that I've read, they've all made a lot of sense, I feel.
As for the hands, Ryukishi07 is still drawing some of the characters, so I hope we get to see those distinctive hands.
