i think a lot of people don't genuinely understand why people criticise Rachel when it comes to Shane's writing in the Long Game. No, Shane being selfish or self absorbed or insensitive isn't inherently bad writing. What IS bad writing is Rachel's lack of introspection when it comes to hys psyche, when it comes to his racial identity, his own storyline with the voyagers (metros), his autism ( which Rachel isn't even sure if she wants him to be autistic???) and his orthorexia/eating disorder ( because unintentionally Shane "hitting rock bottom" moment being eating a sneaker has implications. Just bc she didn't intended for it doesn't mean it isn't.) The narrative treats Shane as the only one with flaws that he has to get over for Ilya and their relationship while Ilya is arguably treated as flawless and extremely sympathetic when it comes to their relationship. That's all fair criticisms. Maybe Rachel didn't intend to present Shane as a "villain" but the lack of introspection makes him feel more like a part of Ilya's story and not a co protagonist.
