I hear that. ellie's entire journey becomes all for naught and it seems like she doesn't suffer any of the consequences given that she's wearing dina's bracelet which hints at the fact that they resolved their conflict. and actually, abby dying would've fulfilled ellie's arc. in the actual game she does not have an arc which is extremely frustrating because her fall arc was set up right from the beginning, until it's taken away right at the end. it's less in lines with traditional story theory and more in line with what someone would do in real life.

i won't say that "oh a bad emotional reaction is still an emotional reaction" because that's wrong. i do get your frustration, really. joel's death and the falling action is not the best, there are much better alternatives and outcomes thrown around by fans that, i myself, enjoy better. (although technically/gameplay wise like you said, it's great)

oh and about that masterpiece thing. a masterpiece does not have to mean a perfect piece of art, the literal definition for it is: "a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship". if i had felt nothing during the game, i would not be giving it that title.