>>282962656
True. And besides, before the timeskip, all the Straw Hats were very well-written characters, especially in terms of how their life choices and their positions on the ship intertwine with their pasts. Franky's story with his self-loathing over Tom's death is a great moment. So is Sanji and his relationship with food. Nami and her maps. Robin and the Poneglyphs, Chopper and medicine, Brook and music, etc. This is an example of excellent writing when characters have depth in what they do beyond being useful. The reader develops an emotional connection to them through these moments. I don't need Brook to cast a bard's song to strengthen the party against Imu. I just want to see him play for Laboon. This will be a more significant moment than any of his elite skill usages.