This right here is the problem with most fans, and the reason why there was a gigantic initial backlash to Sons of Liberty and, now, this game (if you replace Solid Snake with Big Boss). Most fans say they care about the story, but in the end what they most care about is being able to fulfill a power fantasy through their favorite hero. When that gets taken away from them in order to impressively subvert earlier established plot points or player agency, everyone loses their shit and calls Kojima a hack. Which I think is super unfair, as I think it's hypocritical to judge Kojima on his writing if you secretly (and possibly even unconsciously) just want him to, essentially, just make new versions of MGS1 or 3.
(I'm not hating on you btw, snake_eater_raiden; I'm just using your post to express a "problem" which, I think, is very prevalent in MG fandom and is also eschewing players from enjoying Kojima's messages. And I say "problem" with parenthesis because it's not a real problem, of course, just something I personally regret. I also want to point out that I don't think it's "wrong" to (merely and) primarely want to play as Solid Snake; everyone should enjoy the game in the way they see fit, of course.)
