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He was aware of the crowd's thoughts and concerns because John 6:52 and John 6:67 state this. So why risk alienating his followers?

Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

Obviously He did not risk anything...He already knew who wouldn't follow Him...

Why didn't the Lord just say "I'm speaking figuratively here"?

Maybe He wants us to study so we can figure it out for ourselves...

You ask these questions but refuse to answer mine...So what do you do with vs 35???

"He already knew who wouldn't follow Him..."

Of course he knew; he's God.

The point is why did the Lord continue throughout (John 6:25-71) to refer to Himself (to his followers) as "the bread from Heaven" "....manna..." "...my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink?" if He were merely speaking figuratively? Why risk alienating his disciples?

It is because the Lord, never being at a loss for words, meant exactly what He was saying.

So, the ones who wouldn't follow were those who could or would not accept what the Church calls the Eucharist.

Verse 35....he is referring to Himself as "the bread of life" so, this is leading up v48 where again "I am the bread of life"....v51 "I am the living bread which came down from Heaven. Who came from Heaven? Our Lord did.

Continuing in John 6...."...he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

Our Lord is not talking about faith alone here.