Personally, I would like to see a third way
Well yes, why not: the dichotomy I mentioned is basically the choice we had on paper, but that didn’t make it in. Of course it would be much nicer to have more subtle options like the ones you describe.
I once wrote a story for Rhode and the Dragon Knight: events that happened after Dragon Knight Saga. It was about the protagonist wanting to undo the curse; seeking out Bellegar; taking Rhode to a far away land ...
I was quite fond of that; it was for a project that was never realised. Perhaps if I find the time I should make a short story out of it and post it on the forum.
Personally, I'm more and more becoming tired of the "lonly wolf" cliché of adventure and RPG heroes.
I want
positive emotions back into games.

Then Original Sin will be right up your alley!
