Random Conundrum

All,

Just read the newest MTMTE issue, and I'm confounded by some fan responses.  Anger, and in some cases, flat-out vitriol was being directed at James Roberts because of certain revelations (not to mention gory, "on-screen" death).  One character, in particular--whom all readers of the series KNOW died during the war--was shown being tortured to death.  I can understand people being a bit unnerved by such imagery (it was pretty graphic).  But rather than be patient, so that they can see how this story fits into the larger narrative, fans are borderline indignant, decrying JRo for showing their "favorite character" dying.  Never mind that many of these same people find the actions of a certain sadist perfectly acceptable...as long as he's not killing off the characters that they like. 

I honestly don't know what to think.  I'm a very laid-back sort of person; I want to see how the story evolves, literally let JRo do what he does best...write interesting transformers fiction.  It almost seems as if the fandom is afraid of change, like they want to keep things status quo so that they can go on doing whatever with the characters in their own, private, headverses.  What do you think?  Do you think such anger is justified, or do you think that they're just being whiny brats? 

Prax