The primary reason why I’ve never trusted fandom’s opinion on anything is the dark, dark period some fifteen years ago, when no discussion of yaoi was complete without complaints about that guy there being a “weepy uke”.
See, Shuichi can be a bit of a crybaby. He’s sensitive and emotional and gets put through a lot.
But!
He’s also one of the strongest most resilient characters out there. He faces a ton of adversity through the series, but he confronts it and gets through it all.
He chases after what he wants wholeheartedly and without getting hung up on past mistakes. (very much the opposite of Eiri who carries his trauma with him, and bolts at the nearest hint of difficulty, lol)
He can be a little over the top, and sometimes even a bit obnoxious, and sure: he’s not always the brightest bulb in the bunch.
But he’s a great character! And doesn’t deserve to be dismissed as a “weepy uke”.
*steps off soap box*
My theory is that fandom split is due in part to the English dub voice actor being much more irritating, so people who watch subs are more kindly disposed to him
