I loved the story, was not expecting any of that to happen, and definitely cried a few times watching all the cut scenes and finales.

I do think there were logical reasons for everything. Getting the "Blessing of Light" taken from us by Midgardsormr was difficult to watch, I was angry, but I believe they did it to show you can't always rely on the powers of others and have to find the power within yourself to survive. That also tied in with the story, I believe, to why our personal characters story-wise did not retaliate. A lot of "strong" characters in the story, were being broken down, one by one, Alphinaud being the most broken, showing that he as well as the others are not perfect. Almost like our personal characters are lost without the "Blessing of Light", and it showed well in the story.

I WILL say however, why didn't Papalymo just break down the gate to block off the incoming attackers, instead of locking himself and Yda to fight them alone?!?

Also, I was extremely happy that Taledji got cut up and died, I was like "YES!", lol.