>>2867417(Cont.)
I doubt shippers hate Rei since it obvious shinji views her as a mother-figure rather than a lover. The "Evangelion: Death and Rebirth theatrical book" revealed Shinji's view towards Rei as:
"Ayanami Rei — Bandages. Mysteries. Indifference. An object of interest. Mother."
Furthermore, it went on to state Rei view towards Shinji as: "And when she spilled her first tears, she finally realized.
“This is my heart. I want to be with Ikari-kun.”
However, death took her away before she could express her heart.
Replication and reunion came immediately.
And she appeared once again before Shinji.
But the third Rei knew nothing.
About Shinji.
About her heart.
Or about the reason for her tears…"
So Rei's feelings are one sided.
Rei played an important in Evangelion, but it's not fair to say Asuka, Misato, or any other characters' didn't matter. Asuka's back story and character is still one of the most memorable aspects of the series and Misato's past provided important information regarding second impact.
