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

[Lauront]

I was somewhat surprised that poor Elidibus hasn't moved to the top fave characters yet in the polls - any of them, really. Maybe by the end of Pandaemonium he will. I'm glad Hyth and Emet-Selch at least get recognition. Regarding G'raha, I don't like him appearance-wise, and while he was tolerable as the Exarch, he isn't my choice of travelling companion, and I find the fanboyism offputting. I also don't like the writing pushing the idea that I, via my character, "owe" him this. I was hoping for a fresh cast going forwards, but if we're talking about NPCs I am amenable towards, it'd be Arenvald (although he'll need to trade in that wheelchair for a magitek one!), Estinien, Fordola, Hien, Magnai, Sadu, Riol, Jullus, maybe Gaius... even Gaia. I like Thancred, but he's due a retirement. Don't mind Y'shtola but same sentiment. No love for the twins, Tataru etc. I'd really have loved a sundered Overlord travelling companion, if I am honest, particularly with Zodiark and the unsundered now gone - especially if the Reflections are a destination, it'd be interesting to have one as a guide, with a revised agenda, since they were operating there.

All my top choices are gone now (Emet, Hyth, Elidibus, possibly Laha), but it is what it is.