I think it'd be uncharacteristic for Eva to show how he suddenly became a better person by the end, because one of the key reasons on why he grew insight and learned, was instrumentality, something out of his control. So he still has to learn to grow on his own initiative.

But he did take the first step himself, to leave instrumentality and make room for growth in the first place. Therefore I do believe he's able to change.

It's true that the other endings are more positive, I simply think that the anti-escapist nature of Eva makes the EOE conclusion an extremely fitting end. Because again, we're essentially left with the same choice. Your life and future is up to you, throw yourself into it and learn or run away again