Whether a character is 'poorly written' is entirely subjective in itself.

Indeed, given that Matsuno is responsible in large part for creating multiple beloved games rich in detail and nuance such as Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII I'm much more inclined to side with him over some of the posters who flock to this particular board.

A character not being dragged through the coals and punished for supposed misdeeds is not equal to 'bad writing'. Even flawed individuals can do some good at the end of the day. So too has it been the case throughout history in the real world and within the FFXIV setting itself.