Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-2A02:C7D:B40D:1800:C075:E5E6:C882:23C4-20180113163746/@comment-24032889-20180313182138

SAO's pitfall is that it's character driven in the wrong ways. It establishes an external conflict centered around the VR worlds it takes place in and then doesn't focus on resolving that conflict it as much as it has mini character arcs happen that take place as they also resolve the main conflict. But the "Getting to Floor 100" or "Getting to the top of the tree" stuff is secondary to a bunch of poor characters. I'll admit that the second season 1 arc was pretty focused on getting to the tree, but it had, again, poor character moments.

I'd recommend Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (though it's rather long. If you can stay in it, it's really worth it.)

Ouran High School Host Club wasn't really for me. The conflicts and characters aren't engaging, but if the lightheartedness is for you, it's for you.