@Ataru
I do much prefer the current artstyle; IMO the art of the early chapters look quite flat and somewhat chaotic, like it's lacking a sense of depth and weight compared to later chapters - and the characters looked both a little deformed
and rigid (i.e. Yamada's big line nose).
I think the drastic change in art suits the series' own overall evolution though - characters (most noticeably Yamada and Ichikawa) came off more archetypal and cold compared to now; diagetically, you could probably see it as Ichikawa coming to terms with his world and gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the quirks and particulars of people around him.
@labanina
lol
This (sexualising Yamada and Ichikawa in general, really) is actually what I feel most mixed about right now, but I realise, looking at the authors other works and even this series' not-so-subtle running gag of Ichikawa constantly splooging everywhere, this author loves her lewds. And I am fighting a losing battle.
But I'll always be in love with this series' show-not-tell style of storytelling, and all the little seemingly insignificant instances becoming arc motifs; like, I'm just now noticing that, in Ch.49, the two drinking simultaneously was meant as a virtual mutual kiss between them (from Yamada's perspective).