Just because it can be done well doesnt mean it isn’t a shortcut around good writing for a LOT of these stories.
It hands the writer a blank cheque for exposition and worldbuilding because the main character needs to have everything explained to them or figure everything out and it excuses any form of set up as to the how and why the character is in this situation.
I disagree. It can be made good. Good examples are Overlord and jobless reincarnation.
Just because it can be done well doesnt mean it isn’t a shortcut around good writing for a LOT of these stories.
It hands the writer a blank cheque for exposition and worldbuilding because the main character needs to have everything explained to them or figure everything out and it excuses any form of set up as to the how and why the character is in this situation.