Just want to point out though, you say the characters were like cardboard, that you felt no connection but you did feel strongly about some of them ie. Commander Rhode.
Why did she deserve another chance?
Why do you think she could have been persuaded to change her mind?
I don't think she could. I admit I was quite surprised at her attitude when I finally caught up with her in the Maxos Temple, but after meeting her again at Aleroth (I mean in ED) she did come across as being very headstrong and impervious to reason. Discovering her fate in FoV was just further confirmation, as if any were needed.
