Oh that explains why it felt a bit forced to me at first (although I did like it)-- as if they were trying to fix something. Apparently they got a lot of push-back on the net?

I believe so! Which, given that El and Max's friendship is one of the reasons I'm still watching, is definitely a good thing.

Audience influence is such a tricky thing; there are times when I wish the writers would ignore what the loudest online audience members are saying. Other times, like this? It's a plus. (This is only going to happen more, in my opinion. And, in line with your comment about a cultural war over gender, I'll applaud the Duffer brothers for at least making an effort to improve in that aspect... even if they didn't succeed well in every instance.)

Also, rumor has it there will be a fourth and possibly fifth season. So, yes, they'll get a chance to fix it. Although I agree with you regarding Netflix's business model -- Netflix is weird. It cancels things that are popular, and renews things that aren't or should just be limited series.

Yup. I mean, if the goal is always to bring in more subscribers, then it makes sense. But that's a drawback for those shows that would really shine with more seasons, y'know? I'm surprised to hear there's going to be more of this show, given the Netflix business model.