Maya also considered the possibility of cheating on some of the tasks, it's just that with Josy, that became easier to do because they worked together.
I think people really underestimate the position she was in and what people will do when really desperate. Maya was alone and determined to do this by herself, come hell or high water. Getting into the HOTs was the only shot she saw at potentially freeing herself from Patrick's influence. I bet if you reversed the roles and it was Josy who was all alone here, feeling a great amount of pressure and desperation too, she would have also done it.
People can debate, and bitch, and moan all they want about that first task, but later on, Maya becomes more willing to do things with the MC because she's developing feelings for him and so when we get to the task at the end of Ep 3, Maya isn't breaching any sort of "morals" or "principles" because she's willing to do this with a guy she likes and she also feels as though things are over for her and Josy.
Maya also did have her "wake up" moment in Ep 6, and she does do things for herself, that's pretty much what she did throughout S1. She also knew that the tuition/scholarship she may have gotten from Burke would require that she put in the work to earn it and she was more than prepared to do so.
As someone who has stanned Maya for quite some time, I can understand why people just stop engaging with Maya hate/memeing/trolling because it's exhausting. Not because of the constant defense of her, but because it's the same old tired bullshit all the time from these people. Maya is like a wounded puppy that people are throwing shit at, and it's tiresome having to deal with people who so often show a complete lack of understanding, compassion, and empathy for her character. It's enough to completely destroy any shred of faith you might have in humanity to see people who seemingly have none.
Couldn't resist, after seeing your avatar
In all seriousness, I'm quite a vocal Maya shitposter.
But I say this in all seriousness:
I respect you.
I respect everyone that stays true to himself and what he likes.
Thing is, this is the internet. Nothing should be taken too seriously.
I mean, I post often about Maya's future "13 mini-games why" episode.
Problem is, some characters aren't bad, it's what DPC does with them that causes fall from grace.
DPC dunks on them, we're here to make fun and meme about it.
The HUGE problem with Maya and Josy is without MC they are doomed.
And when MC is the
ONLY THING that holds them together, and the girls are not right for each other...not a pretty sight.
The support structure she has is only through the girls MC hangs around with.
She is forced in every route now almost.
Her brother is pretty much useless in helping her.
Specially since even on others route, Josy is chasing MC still. Prepping a dagger to Maya's back.
It's ok to have some drama, but DPC forced way too much drama in that route.
And some of us are hella tired of it.
If I wanted that kind of drama, I'd watch The OC, Gossip Girls and similar shit.
But, to an outside point of view, we might be appalling.
Just don't take everything seriously, we're all here to have fun and shot the shit.
