I can honestly see why people reacted the way that they did. But what annoys me is that these people try to speak on my behalf as in THE WHOLE MANGA COMMUNITY HATES USAGI DROP. Fuck off. You don't speak for me.
The first half is definitely stronger then the second half. The second half is plagued with drama. That's my issue with it. The whole drama revolving the complete breakdown of the relationship between Kouki and Rin because Kouki is such a goddamn wild child.
Rin's mother suffered from a two steps forward/two steps back in terms of karma. She spent a great deal afterwards saving up for Rin's future, HOWEVER the revelation of the Grandfather NOT being the biological father made Rin's mother looks even worse. As in, the grandfather helped Masako raise Rin, and Masako just bolts after the grandfather passes and leaves the kid like that?
In terms of Rin, after that relationship fell apart with Kouki, her wanting to understand her place in the world is understandable. People can say the "love for Daikichi" came out of left field, I don't think so, as it helped the fact she never saw him as a father. It was easier for her to move into this position (not so much for Daikichi)
So, yeah, second half was a bit messy in execution and was filled with unnecessary drama.