That being said, does it really matter whether the value of the family is vague? Perhaps it’s trying to tell both the things you mentioned, there is certainly no rule that objects it.
In other words, there is no ambiguity, but simply many reasons. What’s more persuasive: one reason or a multiple? Perhaps it’s more refreshing for viewers that family values wasn’t delivered with a generic single theme, but through both pain (losing someone you love) and love (gratefulness for your relatives). It’s sort of a paradox, they’re contrasting, but fit well together.

If you want more, go play the visual novel. I also found characters such as Ryou, Kyou, Tomoya to not have as a substantial development compared to the main characters. I think if you really wanted them to develop, Tomoya would’ve had to cheat on Nagisa. Such as, in the game, each arc is played separately, so it’s not like the harem-themed anime. The anime grouped all these girls up, probably because they wanted to avoid another “300 hour guide” (google it if you don’t get the reference).

You were really general on the “archetypal characters,” could you expand upon that? Like which characters you thought were too conventional and boring.

If you found the anime to be boring, then you probably don’t like books either. Have patience. Almost every anime has filler(s)…

The problems the characters face are reemphasized again and again throughout the story, at least for the important characters anyway, so what’s your complaint on representation? Did you want the anime to show Tomoya’s fight with his dad or something? Did you want the anime to focus a lot on the characters’ past? In what aspect were their problems not represented fully? I mean, I didn’t have any problems…
The reason for why you didn’t like this anime was because you weren’t able to connect to the characters, and as the story progressed, it seemed progressively more shitty for you. I’m presuming you didn’t get so attached to the characters because of your problem with the show’s reality. However, that in essence, meant that you weren’t focused on the characters and story, but instead too focused on how realistic you’d have it like to be. It’s not about the graphics, it’s about gameplay (It’s a crappy analogy, I know). I think the “reality” of their problems is determined by how much you can relate to the characters. Obviously, you couldn’t… (at least that’s what I’m presuming.)

THE END and please respond?

Clannad IS a masterpiece. There’s really no argument there. But even though Clannad has a great story, I find it’s characters to be rather lacking. I’d rather watch a romance that’s shallow in plot and doesn’t take itself seriously, so long as it has great characters… like ‘Toradora!’ or ‘Welcome to the NHK.’ I want characters that are fun, have depth, and are interesting over characters that are blank, stereotypical, ‘good girls’ (like nagisa). The entertainment value is just so much higher.

I don’t watch anime for an overload of unrealistic drama, of which Clannad is chock full. If I wanted that, I’d watch a soap opera.

Basically, my point is, if you’re looking for a moving dramatic story, go with Clannad. If you’re looking for an entertaining, enjoyable romance, avoid it.

I’m going to be completely useless in the discussion here and point out that this seems strangely appropriate.

No it isn’t.

I do want to mention, though, that Fuuko is awesome and I am ridiculously, perhaps even ludicrously, proud of my FUUKO SANJOU! shirt that I never wear.

also: don’t watch what you don’t like, and what you don’t like isn’t necessarily disliked by everyone. I learn this the hard way.)