I actually think Ratee's toxicity was needed to add to the drama and angst otherwise it would be boring
Well some ppl immature like Earn get sulky and do dangerous things to get attention but because of that I can't say whole series is draggy and I think they changed plot because it's only 8 ep if they follow original plot 12 ep also short for it novel had so many good scenes it's ok at least we get to see LingOrm as a pair