Quote Originally Posted by aveyond-dreams View Post
I do not believe that characters with androgynous traits like the twins should be pushed to the front as much as they are, which is to say nothing of the overbearing presence of gender-neutral hairstyles in this game that to date satisfy neither gender. People aren't looking at characters like Alphinaud and saying, wow! I can't wait to play as/go on adventures with that character! Quite the opposite in fact.

He is both visually and ideologically unimpressive. If this game had its own Illidan equivalent I imagine it would do a lot more to appeal to people than some white haired teenager with magic lasers and his crew of samey yes-men.
The thing is, poll results, and general fan activity, indicate that people do like the twins. Despite Alphinaud being small and skinny and not being a physical fighter, a lot of people do like him. He is, in particular, definitely more popular than Fordola. I mean, I like Fordola fine, I'd be happy if she showed up more, but the reason he's a main party member in EW and she's in two unvoiced, high-requirement sidequest chains is not actually that SE just doesn't realize everyone likes her better. (I can't know this for certain, but I suspect most people who want Manly Men in the core party are happy with Estinien and Thancred.)