I’ll only say that I like that Empathy damage can lead to being Broken and the risk of death. In a post-apocalyptic game where hope is in short supply, that feels right. Your “ooh, idea” version of social combat (an independent Attack test in Torchbearer/BW-ish terms) seems harsh. It’s the most vicious option in the BW ecosystem. If that matches the character of MYZ‘s physical combat (brutish and short), then go for it. But if there’s any cut-and-thrust to MYZ‘s other conflicts, then a “versus roll” of Manipulation v. Manipulation with a Margin of Success feels like the better option to someone who knows nothing about MYZ.