So I've been a little iffy about making these suggestions but I decided to go for it.
1. For the gate, would we be able to use command blocks to simulate the open/closing during the event? I know in 1.9, and maybe even in 1.8, command blocks can do some really advanced stuff, so it's an idea.
2. I know there are some new blocks and things in 1.9 that could be useful in building Neo Kagome. I can't say for sure if anyone would want to use them or not, but I think it was worth mentioning.