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???
Yeah the characters were some of the best n series IMO. Annoying? Yes. Poorly written? nah
The game was just deeply alienating to me, the world was so weird and everything so contrived I couldn't get into it at all