You're meant to dislike her. The show, especially season 1, was aimed at young children, and therefore the antagonists were meant to be...antagonistic, not up for speculation and investigation. All in all, I think it's easy to villify Gilda, but compared to the others, all she did was be mean and shout at people. But in how mabty games and movies do we adore characters like that?
Lightning in FFXII, Tony Montana in Scarface...
I dislike Gilda's actions, but I kinda like the few insights into her better self. RD was her best friend when they were young...surely that counts for something? RD just learned to love the other ponies, while GIlda remained shunned and different to the rest.
I can understand her.
Besides...dat hairfeather coif :3