I see. Your points are well-substantiated and persuasive. I can certainly understand why you believe Otoha is worse. Moreover, I didn't remember Yumi being that much of a dick towards Futaba. I guess you tend to overlook the bad in your favorite characters (or these may be newer. I haven't replayed the game at all).
Then there's the aspect of the law. Otoha probably committed some sort of battery or domestic violence (by slapping Rin); I have no idea where exactly her actions would fall in Japanese law.
Whereas Nodoka almost certainly committed sexual assault.
I have seen someone mentioning that for us, players of this game, who know the context behind the character's actions, that recognize this is all fictional, what Otoha did is much more shocking than what Nodoka did. While I don't strictly agree, the idea holds merit. The fact that we're discussing this at all is the proof.
A girl slapping her girlfriend, cheating, and generally being an awful partner? Not even newsworthy. A minor sexually assaulting another one, forcing her victim to masturbate in front of her while she sucks off their teacher? National, no, possibly global news right there.
Sometimes, I wonder if this game has warped my common sense.
Of course, I do not understand the characters perfectly, especially Nodoka. But I can talk about my impression of them.
My impression of Otoha is that she is an immature, impulsive, dipshit teen. These aren't rare at all. These aren't particularly dangerous (unless in groups).
Whereas Nodoka, she's too unpredictable. Her in-universe intelligence enables her to create schemes that could cause extreme harm. Her likely psychopathy also allows her to have no external moral constraints, only those she herself constructed. In other words, she's highly dangerous.
The fact that she considers Sensei, an actual predator, as harmless is more than enough proof that her internal moral compass isn't to be trusted.
In a hypothetical situation, being positioned to profit immensely, the only condition is fucking everyone and everything over (possibly the very fabric of reality, as this is Kumon-mi); I'm afraid of what she would do.
I don't think Otoha would go that far.
As of yet, I'm not sure who's worse. Which is strange, for I feel something telling me I should. Which is why I believe this game has warped my common sense.
Honestly, I think a major issue for those who plan on replaying this game is seeing how the girls started. Yumi is definitely a fan favorite, but since she's so popular, her misdeeds are ignored, just like with celebrities, etc. Replaying the game will shove how awful she was into your face, and I'm sure that'll mindfuck a few people.
Legally, what Nodoka did is "worse" than what Otoha has done, but legality, common sense, morality, etc are all different things that depend upon one's environment and time period. Legally, Nodoka is also "better" than Otoha as well. She contributes more to society, likely understands the law far better, and if it came to it, she'd likely be proved not guilty for her crimes, while Otoha probably wouldn't. Them both being teens would likely help a lot either way, albeit a lot less so in Nodoka's case. While we're on the topic, Yumi is actually the only one that's committed a crime, and was punished by an authority for it. Assault and probably Attempted Murder in front of a class full of witnesses. Luckily for her, she's a teen princess.
Personally, I find both Otoha and Nodoka to be predictable. I get why they do what they do for the most part (good writing on Sel's part imo), and that's why I consider Otoha more disgusting. Of course, I likely see things different than others, as does everyone to different degrees. I don't see being "normal" as others have sold Otoha for being, as anywhere close to a desirable trait.
As for Nodoka, I'm leaning more towards her trying to keep those she cares about protected no matter the cost. Sacrificing everyone would leave Nodoka with nothing. I can definitely see her tossing the undesirables, and possibly even herself away, to attain the bigger "win" though. Nodoka knows she isn't worthy of a happy ending:
and neither are Sensei, or Yumi. Of course, it'll depend on how things go. I don't doubt that if it comes to it, she'd sacrifice whoever to save those she actually cares about though, including herself. That might be the best ending we could hope for. I can also see Maya doing the same, and probably both Ami and Ayane, etc.
So far, I don't really think that anything Otoha will do, will matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Unless she convinces Rin to kill herself or something, then that'll probably have some affect. I could also see some Sekai influence being teased with the whole "Little Brother" stuff. Idk, the characters are easier to predict than Sel. I wouldn't put it past Otoha to use whoever then rationalize whatever to keep herself happy though. More or less already doing that with Rin.
"The word of the day is: Perception". Yeah, Sel wasn't kidding with that whole thing. Altering the reader's perception "willingly" is rather interesting, and I wouldn't doubt that is a goal behind this work, for better or worse.
