What's the point with that quite lackluster story in Endwalker?

[Teraq]

Yeah, I am not sure where this aether came from, technically. Maybe the planet naturally produces aether by itself and Hydaelyn just... skimmed some off the top over the millenia? I don't remember what the explanation is, or if there even is one that isn't just vague handwaving.

I can 100% relate to being too emotionally drained past Elpis. Then Labyrinthos, confusion at the rather random Aitiascope midbosses, everyone in Ultima Thule being a bit of a broken record (great visuals and BGM at least!) and seeing exactly who did or did not feature in the ending credits/artwork just kind of killed me, so I just skipped the Scions' dialogue in the Waking Stones, which I frankly don't do often. Honestly, I want to give the entire Labyrinthos part with inappropriate GET PUMPED UP BGM playing on loop a disproportionately large part of the blame.

[Kozh]

Yeah, I am not sure where this aether came from, technically. Maybe the planet naturally produces aether by itself and Hydaelyn just... skimmed some off the top over the millenia? I don't remember what the explanation is, or if there even is one that isn't just vague handwaving.

Her explanations:

Ever since I became the will of the star, the aether drawn here hath slowly crystallized. They who have answered my call know it well. While I have remain hidden, it hath become the embodiment of the planet's will in my place. A faceless, omnipotent force of nature.

Doesn't necessarily mean it's made from living being souls, but kinda suspicious ngl. And considering that aetherial sea is where all souls returned to and get recycled.

Honestly, I want to give the entire Labyrinthos part with inappropriate GET PUMPED UP BGM playing on loop a disproportionately large part of the blame.

Same. The very first time I had to turn off BGM and play Youtube on background instead. Damned music nearly melted my brain off, combined with the stupid "lopporit plays therapist".