Seem, I always defended the game just based on "linear isnt bad", not really thinking about the reasons why its linear.
Ive also always been confused why FFX is well liked despite... also being very linear up until it opens up at the end? But XIII got memed for hallways???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMZMJDFe1kc
Turns out there's a video about this subject of XIII vs X (also turns out the Final Fantasy sub has this video ready because this question comes up all the time lol.
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: