Exactly. It was the impression he gave in EA and the same all through act two, but in act 3 they ignored his character and character development to such an extent that the character I loved was nearly lost.

Then ever so often he would show up again, but instead of making me smile it felt like a cruel manipulation.

The constrictions he puts on the association (since it's not a relationship) is not freedom for anyone but him - it's a prison for someone who truly loves him, because they have to constantly watch what they say or hope for. Even asking him what his thoughts are on their relationship, he turns into a lecture and is borderline condescending.

This is not what I asked for, not what I pictured, and not what he leads you to believe during the first two acts.

What is even worse is that he is not even a good representation of what they chose to do with him. He becomes selfish and manipulative under the guise of kindness and concent.