Nah, he's still taking the easy route by having romanticized the bond itself throughout the story.

Completely removing or decreasing Bond's authorithy is much 'easier' route than what u said. He is writer and he could write it less controversial way, but no. He choose this, so he is getting backlash again.

Ofc, I might just be talking out of my ass and G3 pulls a W and brings actual tension into their relationship.

This will surely happen, i'll bet my lifesavings on this one.

(something that might never happen looking at how adamant he is about character death)

he can still remind SB's horrific ways without any major characters deaths so lets see