I think it was cool to have one way to complete the game in Act 2. Not the perfect ending, kind of disastrous with all those mindflayers running around loose actually, but logical given the timing of grouped BBEGs and Gale's well foreshadowed condition.
There was much build up drama (which was partially derailed by multiple unwanted romance proposals in V1.0) and an aftermath that flowed to the end of Act 3.
Dunno about domineering women. Aylin's antics are hardcoded to ensure conflict with Kethric. Sure it'd be nice to call her out more but plot protection. Mystra takes firm backseat to MC's opinion if approval is high (so easy). Perhaps you're talking about Gale MC?
