You really underestimate how much these characters mean to people, thus how hard it is just to 'break away.' Can't do it: we're too attached, we love 'em too much.
Besides; isn't what these forums are for? To express "I like this" or "I don't like this," not just one or the other? It's a way to vent, to put thoughts down and reflect upon; it's as cathartic as can be engaging on a critical level.
Besides, if the same complaints are coming up then maybe we should ask why, rather than just brushing people off and saying "You're wrong and dumb and whining." And if they do further persist then maybe it is an issue with the writing itself? I've found that often just gets brushed off with "That's just Hickman's style."
Well...so? Doesn't mean it's perfect or above reproach. A public forum is the place to put these thoughts, good or bad.
But nobody should be trying to take from anyone's fun. The conversation this comment came from, in fact, wasn't even meant to be a criticism directly. I was agreeing with someone who pointed out that Claremont was a much, much different take than Hickman and I elaborated why.
That snowballed into its' own thing.
And, also, on the topic of people disagreeing with the praise; I mean, I could say the same about "What's the point in posting about how good you find this?" But I won't because that's the point of the forum, much the same as how people post on twitter; to have our voices heard and opinions out there. Who knows, maybe it will be taken into consideration, it's not unusual in terms of market research, but I digress.