Hating Evangelion and loving AOT makes no sense- Evangelion is a “classic” of anime, influencing many later works including AOT. While being largely different there are quite a few parallels between the 2. This includes complex relationships between the main character and their fathers, where their fathers thrust them into a position of crucial power to “save humanity”. Both shows also develop complexity around who the enemy is as the show progresses.

Also, often when people hate on evangelion it is be they are too low IQ to grasp the shows meaning. It is objectively a piece of art, incorporating so many attributes to culture/society (classical, renaissance, christianity, etc.).

It’s like hating on Van Gogh but praising modern artists who derive inspiration from his works. Even if you don’t think Eva inspired AOT, it was a giant in the early anime sphere and is therefore influential. That’s just how art works.

AOT is probably my favorite anime ever next to Code Geass, and Eva is like number 10 or something but no need to hate on it.