After a lot of procrastination in reading this, I don't know what to say. (ノ_<)
This really is very much far away from the LL-anime universe. Really. Not that far.
The characterization's only similar for the second years, RinPana and maybe a little bit for Nozomi? And a little off character for Umi can't see anime Umi kissing Honoka just like that
Whereas, the BiBi unit (Maki, Nico, and Eri), got some major personality changes. Manga Nico's definitely better. Manga Eri being a flirt is fun to see. But, eeeerrrrr, I want anime Maki more. Way, way more. (/ _ ; ) Tsundere Maki's definitely the best.
But likewise, I can somehow understand where did some of the pairings came from. ( ̄▽ ̄)
Still looking forward to these though.
Okay so I just want to learn of characters and events to make sense of all of the LoveLive yuri doujins here. What's best to go through: the manga or the anime?
My history with LL!verse began with DJs as well. Hence, I moved forward and watched the anime having the same reasons as you. To understand more those DJs. Especially I was looking forward for MakiNico since obviously it's my OTP in LL! Sadly, MakiNico on anime is a bit weak. And now, just finished reading these 16 chapters of the manga. Just like what the others said, characterization wise, most DJs, if not all, are based on the anime version. I think even the other medias are more closely related to the anime as well.