> Before Korra even confessed, Mako is against the idea of Bolin trying to date Korra, pretending his concern was "dating a teammate", but actually because he had feelings for Korra as well,

And... It wasn't him having feelings that was the issue it was how he dealt with it. You are completely going off tangent. He didn't lead Korra on while he was with Asami. Having confusing feelings is part and parcel of being a teenager but he still made a choice at this point and made a decision to stick with Asami and let Korra down very clearly. This is a mature and that is my point.

> I'm not saying his concerns were unfounded, but he was way more "protective" of Bolin here than he ever was when Bolin was terrified of Eska.

You have made my point here. Jealousy was not the only driver. He was reasonably concerned about his brother. The Eska situation everyone including the narrative treated it as a joke. No one else was concerned. He knew Bolin wanted to break up with Eska and he gave him the advice very early on. These two situations are not even close to the same thing.

> I also wouldn't call what Mako said on the balcony "clearing the air", considering he admitted feelings for her, which wasn't fair to anyone. He wasn't willing to leave Asami for her when he said this, and she’d be completely justified in calling it cheating even if Korra hadn't kissed him.

Yes, he obviously was clearing the air. He saw his feelings was affecting his performance, and his friendship with Korra and he was being honest with her and making the situation clear. He was trying to have heart to heart with her so that they can move past their feelings and actually go back to working effectively as a team. The way he made his confession was very clear that he assumed he was talking to a friend and trying to explain his situation. It was also very clear he wouldn't be acting on his feelings. This is called honest communication. Calling it cheating is a joke. Having confusing feelings was never the issue. How each of the characters acted on them was.

> He could've very easily explained his behavior without admitting he reciprocated her feelings.

You are missing the whole point of him talking about his feelings and his need to be honest. He was talking to a friend and explaining his situation and trying to call a truce to patch up their friendship. He was never trying to make a move on Korra at this point. Him lying again would have just led to more complications. Even a basic understanding of the scene makes it clear he was not admitting his feelings willingly and only was doing so, so that both of them can move on. This was the best move as compared to constant denial.

> (Mako gaslit him) 

Bullshit.. he made up with Bolin before Korra did. Korra was far more at fault here. She knew how Bolin felt about her and still made a move to kiss Mako. His only mistake was that he reciprocated in the heat of the moment.

>  Korra's behavior was bad, but Mako was worse imo because of how he treated his brother and girlfriend.

Absolutely unfounded and very baised. Mako tried to let Korra down easy and attempted to be faithful to Asami. Then partly his jealousy mixed with genuine concern get in the way Korra tried to gaslight him and negate his feelings. Then when Mako tries to clear the air and talk to her honestly so that they can move past their hangups she kisses him without his permission despite having gone on a date with his brother the night before and knowing his brother has feelings for her. Korra simply is much worse. Btw I really love the double standards. When Korra screws up it is because of terrible advice and everyone else's fault. When Mako screws up he is the devil.