What is going on with Square Enix and the 14 team?

[Hurlstone]

I actually started liking her and that began to decay quickly...

That is a good point. One of the reasons why Shadowbringers is my favourites expansion was how it played with a lot of the tropes that had been in the game/FF in interesting ways. From the more overt examples, such as Light being portrayed as the negative element and the revelations about Hydaelyn/Zodiak, to things like the Scions (Y'shtola taking up black magic over white, Thancred going from being a sneak rogue to upfront protector) and the notion of Hope being used as a weapon against us. EW did fall back on more traditional tropes for sure, though I did feel it still played around with somethings and gave us some nice twists. Then again, I openly admit I am far to optimistic about storytelling aspects then a lot of people!

I do agree about how the WoL is portrayed. They have gotten better at giving us the chance to craft their personality a bit more outside of stoic nodding, but ultimately we can do little but follow the lines we are given. Its a shame as I always hoped they would eventually let us make more meaningful choices in the story.

I also was never much of a character hater, I dont get too attached to a particular character and try not to see the "black" and "white" in the things they do...

Yeah, SB hads its flaws for sure but there is so many good things that go overlooked I feel. The characters in particular are wonderfully explored. I simp for Aymeric, but Hien really steals the show. Fordola and Yotsuyu where really interestingly written villians too. I agree about Lyse too. Travelling around the Far East with her and Alisea was a great joy and I liked seeing her step up to the challenges.

Though being fair Zodiark would eventually need everyone to be sacrificed and thus it'd be pointless anyways. I may not like what Hyd did but I can for sure say she at least gave us a chance for life to continue and florish. I never felt the game painted her as perfect oe egotistical. She herself says she knows she caused alot of pain and suffering and she doesn't take joy in that fact. She also doesn't offer pushback if you question her on the boat. Idk...I think they did well with her (and I REALLY did not like her at 1st)

I more or less completely agree. I went into Endwalker sure she would be the ‘big bad’ and did flick her the finger on the boat, but the expansion completely changed how I view her. Hydalyn herself understands how bad what she did was, but in their eyes there really was no other choice. I felt the cut scene with her after we leave Elpis really showed that well, and I adore her ‘… And amongst deepest despair, light everlasting’ quote. That was when she became my favorite.

I can see why people disliked her actions, and I kinda wish more NPCs took issue with it too.

Anyway, sorry for derailing the thread with lore!