I don't know why so many people have a grudge against Lacus.
What about Relena from Wing, she was young, she was a political power. She didn't give Heero his pawnzors wing zero gundam but still.
Also when did Lacus become a leader? She was an activist in Seed and turned mediator of Zaft at the end of GSD. She didn't assume any role other than an activist that had the resources to be well... active.
As for Lacus being the leader of the three ships alliance, not true. It was everyone's unanimous agreement to fight (both in Seed and GSD)
"Athrun is Athrun, the worst thing of all is not being able to do anything when you want to do something." <-- no brainwashing here.