Yes, I am entirely sure that the reason people still can't stomach this arc (besides the hinted NTR plots which are pretty whatever at this point) is the lack of comprehension of character introduction. Not the absolute shit way it's been tied into the main story so far, which is none beyond "they have a history together", the cold open of the arc, and the fact that while yes, I don't like the pity tour, you can not deny (nor did you even try, I'll give you credit for that at least) that that's exactly what it is. We spent the first 5 chapters exploring the character's distaste towards personal relationships (and building disgust and hatred towards her), and the next 5 trying to explore her changing feelings - yet notice how none of it ties into Hikari at any point. None of it ties into Yuu's feelings at any point. It's all Ayami Ayami Ayami. Are we going to have another (abrupt, cold open) 10 chapter arc about Yuu's struggles with reconciling his childhood love with his relationship with Ayami next? Are we going to explore what the fuck Hikari was doing during this period of time? Are we going to see anything beyond her inner thoughts? Will we go the full length of 20 chapters so we can jump to another arc without explanation other than a rude realization (the inevitable separation, probably, but what's the trigger this time? Suddenly jumping into Yuu's feelings for 20 chapters now?)?
Absolute lack of critical thought, considering this is not a disjointed SNL episode skit. And if it is, well the author certainly chose an atypical way to explore this trio. One piece at a time. Like one of those anthologies that eventually connect at a certain plot point, except you already know where they were going to connect and were rudely cut off beforehand anyway. Again, you're free to defend bad writing, but put some fucking coherent thought and analysis into it other than "well lmao you're just crying because you don't like these things how is this bad writing" as if you never fucking read anything else, whether it be books or manga or whatever in school, in your life.
