There is no middle ground in this fucking thread.
Bleach (a character driven manga) had 2 years concentrating on side characters, build them up, show personality, powers, philosophy, and people whine about it. (i am not saying the Fake Karakura arc was not long, but my point still stands)
Naruto (a plot driven manga) concentrates on a very few characters who are relevant to the plot, and no the Konoha 11 sans Naruto and Sasuke are irrelevant to the plot. Even Sakura. And people whine about it.
It´s screwed if you do concentrates on side character in this thread and screwed if you don´t. There is no middle ground whatsoever.