I also love XIII for a lot of the reasons many people seem to hate it.

This really sums it up. I like the linearity! I like the flawed characters! Your 'play things without knowing what randos think' approach sounds like a very sensible one.

The paradigm system is so good! It's so fun and fast-paced and strategic, and the crystarium caps mean you always need to put some thought into your battles. I'm bewildered every time I see someone claiming the game just plays itself.