And I'd just like to say this - there are PLENTY of shows that have had to be significantly compressed or only go partly along the way due to time and financial constraints. It's not something that goes down well but sometimes it does work. Okay, there's 9 novels worth of content to cover (not to mention side stories) but be realistic...if Fate/ Zero still didn't manage to avoiding compromises when trying to fit its length (about half of SAO) into an anime version, why would you even conceive that SAO could avoid it when it has double the material to cover in the same amount of time? The real question is how much do they plan to cover? 4 novels is plausible and roughly seems to be a good timepoint. Perhaps it will go longer with a future adaptation depending on fandom? Considering the confusing mode of story progression regardless of which version you follow, perhaps a bit of faith and seeing how things unfold would be worthwhile?
I don't consider the following spoilerish, so I don't think it's offensive. I will avoid revealing anything that will spoil the story, but for the sake of keeping the peace, I will use a spoiler tag, so people can choose whether they want to read it or not. I don't spoil any events, content or plot points. I'm only detailing when Episode 3 content happened and why it will seem rushing/confusing/out of place to people. There are reasons.
One simple fact you have to get used to regardless what version of SAO you try first is that time skips happen. So if you want to continue, get used to the fact. If you can't handle some events being changed with their order to try and create a more linear progression in the anime, then stick to the novel. I don't see what the big deal is. I'm enjoying reading the light novels but the time skipping and non-linear storytelling method provides a challenge that requires a lot more focus and patience to appreciate. This method is not going to appeal to everyone, nor will the way things happen in the anime. And that is up to you and your right to choose. Ultimately people will decide with their wallets as to whether A-1 Pictures made the right choice or not.
My two cents - I don't mind seeing that part of Kirito's journey being put forth at this point. If events are tied together and will allow the viewer to understand the chronological order - but not at the expense of some of the good matieral within the relevant novels - then I will approve of this adaptation. Episode 3 is too early to call this as a botched adaptation. Let's just see how they go. I just hope they aren't operating on the assumption most viewers will have read the novels in full. I'd like to see them cater to newer people enough to find their way. Personally, I wasn't expecting a rundown of how they got through every floor - doing that for 100 floors in 25 episodes? That was never going to happen. And MMO grinding isn't entertaining. Take it from someone who has played MMOs for 7 years. End game/climactic sections are where it is more fun. Why wouldn't it be any different here?
As for Episode 3 itself:
Is Kirito being colder/less emotional than the average person that bad? I don't think so - one of my reasons for continuing with this title was because Kirito was more rational/silent than emotional. MMO players aren't generally excitement machines or drama junkies. Drama tends to break up guilds/friendships, so seeing Kirito the way he is fits in with what I would expect in such a setting. I really don't get the issues people have with him. Frankly, in various media, I'm getting rather tried of seeing melodrama or overly emotional lead characters. I like Kirito. He is believable and I will continue to watch him.
I can understand why some people have issues with Episode 3. But frankly, I think this is being blown out of proportion. And really, if you have issues with how this is playing out in the anime, please don't ruin the experience for others who are taking SAO on board from only the anime perspective. It's their right to experience it that way. The least you could do is let them do so. There is legitimate reason for the hype. But the problem with hype is that it gives you unrealistic expectations. Pull yourself back from the hype and just take the title for what it is. And if you prefer the light novel, that's a legitimate stance and fine by me.
But yeah, this show is going to cause havoc for its entire airing. Have fun keeping it under control, mods. I don't envy your task in doing so.
