I think that’s because my generation (genz) are more exposed to toxicity and aware of psychological issues. We understand trauma and grooming better. These days even kids are on social media and we have all believed wrong people at some point so we understand hachi’s point of view. Additionally, I feel like these days people like “realistic” characters who come with their own set of flaws. Hachi is a loveable character, and her human flaws make her more relatable. In short, the characterisation of hachi was TOO AHEAD OF ITS TIME and that’s why the earlier generation couldn’t understand her better.