As you briefly say, I think it's possible to rail against the system without actually hating the players. The issues you raise with award shows and with TV in general are all valid, but for me that doesn't negate how amazing the beginning of Game of Thrones was.

I think you're right that they should have known better than to approach an unfinished story, but to give credit where it's due, I think there are parts of the show that occurred entirely under their writing that were very effective, and I really love their work so far in 3 Body Problem. It'll be hard for me to ever excuse those atrocious final two seasons of GOT, but the first 6 in my eyes were incredible. One of the most stunningly ambitious shows ever brought to TV.

It's a shame they couldn't stick the landing. I admit I had high hopes until things really began to unravel.

Thanks for reading and for the comment, David!