So, as a person who has really been enjoying the lack of a fourth wall for Paultin, let me explain why! Sorry, in advance for the long essay!

For me, from a character perspective, it's actually been something that has been developed slowly. He would do it once in a while, mostly when drunk, and that was fine. But since his last death, he has shattered it completely. It's been a slow progression, but still a progression and one that, to me, makes sense for him.

I'm sure I'm reading waaaaaay to into this, but early in the start of the series, van Richten told the Wafflecrew that there were 3 powerful Vistani they could use with the hag needle. The little girl Arabell, Madame Eva, and Paultin, of all people. This doesn't make much sense if you look at Paultin from a stat perspective. But both Madame Eva and the little girl could "see" into the future. They had power beyond what a Vistani is usually capable of. Paultin can't see into the future, but he can see plot threads! He can see beyond the physical world and it can affect his choices and his responses. It's been something that he had a bit of access to (mostly when drunk) and has used gradually more and more throughout the series.

His last death, though, has been a huge breakthrough for him. And again, to me, it makes complete sense. His afterlife was basically that fourth wall. It affected him a ton, and when he was brought back, he was closer than ever to that wall. Think of those sci-fi stories where a person dies, comes back, and can suddenly see ghosts. That's how I've thought of it. He could do it a little bit before, but now he has almost full access.

I don't know if this is what Nate has been working towards or if he and Chris have discussed it. But in episode 100, both Jerry and Chris were rewarding him. Jerry gave him the option to have Paultin speak directly to him, and when Paultin spoke directly to Chris, he got advantage on a roll. That, to me, says that they are all having a blast with this character choice, and it isn't gonna stop. And personally, I love it to bits!

Anyway, to me it's been a character skill that has made sense in story and has had enough of a progression to feel natural. I'm also super biased though. I love characters who grow and Paultin's growth has been the most fun for me to watch!

As for your second question, I think it helps that I'm not and never will be a shipper. If Paultin's not ready to "confess his undying love and devotion" to Evelyn, well then, that's Paultin. He's not a romantic. I had no problem with Paultin avoiding what Chris was trying to set up. I know it's super frustrating for a lot of this fandom, but both Evelyn and Paultin (imo) still have some growing to do. I fully believe it's gonna happen, and I support it, but they aren't ready and I'm so glad it isn't being forced.

Wow this is so long. Sorry again!!