@axel Just some words so that the spoilers don't show up on the main page. Doot doot doot that's probably enough time.
Whilst I agree with what you're saying, I think you had the ideal reaction that they wanted you to have, which is great. Problem is, I don't think as many people felt that way. Personally, I never hated Abby. I was sad that Joel died, but I was never angry because I knew that Abby's reasons for killing him were likely justified. We saw what he did at the end of the first game. He's a lovable character, but not an innocent one.
I think I'm in the minority there, though. What I'm seeing more often are those who hate Abby even during her section. They never get that feeling you got because they spend the whole game prior seeing Ellie's actions as justified. They are just as angry as Ellie, so when they get to Abby's section they are completely unwilling to see her side, viewing the whole thing as manipulative and inorganic.
If they were to put Abby's section immediately after Joel's death, I think it could flip the whole thing on its head. Yes the player likely hates Abby at first, but I think that hate could more organically simmer down into understanding if the player is given time with her that isn't preceded by ten hours devoted to their hatred of her. Maybe the player doesn't grow to like her, but they should understand her and see her as a person, not a villain. This then makes Ellie's quest afterward much more bittersweet. The player still likes Ellie, but they are able to view what she's doing through a much different lense, making them much more conflicted about it. The themes of hate and revenge are furthered because the player shouldn't want Ellie to go through with it. They've already seen the consequences.
