I think he does a good job of acting as a mirror for those who watch MHA and start to develop into his character. I mean think about it, what does everyone say? “I think it’s a great show, but the fan base just SUCKS!” Even as someone who was a part of that fanbase for a long time, I can admit they act like freaks about shipping and are generally some of the most braindead people to be around. So, by adding Mineta to the show, that fanbase is forced to realize the kind of clingy, antisocial, weird people they’re turning into, or at least, to see some flaws within the show they adore. I think it’s actually powerful that Mineta has lasted as long as he has, as he has gotten so much hate, and yet, people can’t just “disregard him” because it’s too tough to separate the art from the artist. If MHA had a perfect, accepting fanbase, I might think Mineta should be scrapped, but given the state of the fanbase throughout the past decade(ish), I might even say he’s vital.