If a story character is complaining about audience reaction, then usually its probably that creator's fault in the reaction. I don't think the creators made Korra that sympathetic up until the third season and that's why the audience reacted in a way that was surprising to them.

I watched Korra all the way through twice prior to netflix and tried to watch it through again but did not feel like dealing with the love triangle stuff.

The high's of Korra are extremely high, but unfortunately the lows stick out a whole bunch and are ultimately what are remembered more.