I think inherently Fluttershy is and should be a shy character.

[Sepul-Coloratura 762]

I've been asking myself that if there could have been a better way to develop Fluttershy's character than what she did. And I think they could have just let Fluttershy to be a shy character, and still manage to make her a good character.

Fluttershy's shyness was perceived as a serious flaw that needed to be fixed. It's been one of the strongest stream of the audience's collective voice. For lots of people, her being shy was one of the most annoying, and repetitive aspect of the show. They thought it was a flaw, needed to be gone. And I think the show heard the voice and actually tried to fix it quite gradually but blatantly. They made Fluttershy not shy. She is very assertive, she is not a pushover anymore, she gets her voice heard when it's needed. So she's been improved, Right?

Well, not actually in this case. It's usually a good thing if it's just her improving herself. But it's not actually a clever fix when the essential part of the character is completely wiped out, and only gradually making it happen doesn't help. It's easy to get rid of the character's weakness. But passively fixing the problem doesn't always make a better result. Her shyness is part of what makes her character interesting, but it's not actually just about her shyness. It's her bravery despite her shyness is what made her special. And actually Fluttershy acted boldly when it was the most essential part of the story since day 1. So, Fluttershy was a good character because she had the contrast between the two. She was a shy character, but also overcame it when it's needed. Her characteristics weren't the fault and it wasn't needed to be fixed. What matters is if she acted according to her conscience in the moment of truth. She wasn't shy when it actually mattered, and people got annoyed when it didn't matter. Characters doesn't need to change as long as they act according to their conscience. Because if so, they will act boldly when it only necessary. Now her being bold is like a fanservice, rewarding the people who thought her shyness was annoying.

I'll give you an example. Rarity has to be greedy, for some extent. She has to love jewelry, shiny things, fancy dresses, gorgeous decorations, and it's an essential part of her. But what makes her interesting and good is that she always shares what she has. She is generous and selfish at the same time, thus the conflict between the two aspects is interesting. Pinkie Pie is annoying, but she prioritizes her friend's happiness and shows consideration for her friends (almost always until Yakity-Sax). So Fluttershy being shy is part of what made her interesting. Fluttershy overcoming her shyness was satisfying when she was actually a shy character.

The other point I'm making is that as soon as she was completely not shy anymore, her character started to collapse slightly. She started to act the opposite in the moment of truth. She was being excessively aggressive to the customer pony in the end of Fake it Til You Make it, she apologized to her friends in a not so definite way, and generally she doesn't display kindness that much anymore. She's not only more assertive, but also more aggressive, and those two are not the same thing (clearly displayed at Putting Your Hoof Down). It seems that the show is more interested in assuring the audience that Fluttershy is not shy anymore than showing what makes her special despite her weakness. Fluttershy wasn't weak even back then. As long as the most important part of the story and the character are done right, she doesn't need to be fixed. First I thought fixing her character was ok, but she doesn't have the charm as a character anymore. Usually Fluttershy's episodes were the most satisfying episodes, but she doesn't have a power to build an episode around her character.

Does this mean she should cower and panic in front of any Ponyville resident when buying apples? No, I think that's too much. Gradually growing her confidence to match common sense is a good thing. I almost feel bad to complain about it because once the show tried to fix what the audience asked for, it feels like being picky to ask for the opposite. At least, I can say that I didn't consider her shyness annoying in the first place. And also, I'm also not saying it for the sake of opposing.

I'm curious about what you think and most importantly, why do you think that way. Please let me know. 

Edited June 16, 2019 by Sepul-Coloratura