I legit do not get why people don't like this. It had amazing character development, an intriguing story and the pacing was spot on.
Yes, in the beginning, I was upset about the retcon, but the way the show is paced in having the Kyoto trio and others accept Rin is so much better here than the quick 2 ep explanation in season 1. Everyone reaches their own conclusion and they do it at their own pace.
Nothing in this is forced.