This review is written while Volume 7 of the Manga (the middle of Ajisai's Arc) and Volume 5 of the Light Novel (The "sports festival" Arc) are being released. Despite the many gripes I have with the series, I want to make this spoiler-free to encourage people to read this review before they read the manga.
This manga is unabashedly not serious about being a compelling drama or romance. It is, however, really good at convincing you that there is something beneath the surface. WataNare (the shortened name of this manga) centers around a bog standard "girl who doesn't think she's good enough" getting to know the most beautiful bestest girls. The first volume keeps to a frankly ludicrous plot, with a main love interest (besides being beautiful) having no other qualities then wanting to have nsfw time with our main character. I don't even want to get into the obviously problematic behavior she exhibits. This sets up the expectation that we'll keep a bizarre, lighthearted tone throughout the series, but it won't last.
Starting from the second character arc, the author really wants you to believe that characters will be moved into the plot and developed. Some of these characters are played straight for sometime, having interesting motivations and showing vulnerability, developing a relationship with the reader. Then you are pulled back to reality. The character gets re-flattened and strewn about to fulfill the narrative of "plain MC just can't choose between all these gorgeous women". Most of the time (we do have exceptions), the main cast has nothing to do until it's time for MC Renako to be nice to them and start the character arc. Just when you think the narrative is getting serious, just when you think the series is dropping its comedy harem pretense for an interesting story about admiration, selfishness, and connection, the rug will be pulled under you.
If you want a fun romp with a group of cute girls falling head over heels for each other, read something that commits to that. If you want to examine characters and their complicated relationships with each other, read something that commits to that. The story wants to have its cake and eat it too, which is actually extremely fitting and funny for people who have read past Volume 4 of the Light Novel.
WataNare got me hooked on a feeling. I wish these characters existed in another manga, one that treats them with more respect.