how do you fans of the series deal with the constant criticism the show gets?
Personally, the best way i found to accept the criticisms was to listen to it, and more often than not, accept it.
SAO is not a perfect show. There are problems with it. Some problems are bigger than others, sure, but there are always scenes, plot threads and entire episodes that have problems.
The difference between me and haters is... i accept the problems, and move along.
Is SAO a Harem? Yeah. I think so. Thing is, i dont think thats actually a problem. In the 50 anime ive watched, about a third of them have been just as harem as SAO, of not more so. And there is literally zero wrong with that.
Does SAO have jarring Fanservice? Yeah. I think so. And it really annoys me. But, at the end of the day, i see just as much fanservice selling me everyday goods on telly. Im looking for buying a new armchair at the moment, and whaddaya know, theres a woman in a bikini sitting in this picture.
Does SAO have a incest subplot? Yeah. It does. In context, and culturally, its perfectly justifiable. But it still squicks me out. Yeah, In Japan, its not even that taboo for Cousins, but im not in Japan. But, also, ya know, Asuna gets sexually assaulted several times in those same episodes, so... yeah.
Do not misunderstand. I love SAO. I love almost every second of it (Calibre and most of Episode 17 excluded) and no matter how much criticism it gets, ill always be alright with it. Because, at the end of the day, i can see the criticism, accept the criticism, even agree with it. But it just doesnt hold me back.
What gets my goat is when the critics flat-out lie. SAO isnt perfect. Its also not the worst show ever made. Fairy Dance is not worse because its called "Fairy Dance" and has Fairies in it. Asuna isnt turned into a damsel in distress in Fairy Dance. Kirito isnt an OP superman. Those lies annoy me.
TL:DR The sooner you accept that nothing is perfect, the sooner you can overlook flaws. Its only those who get hung up over imperfections who suffer.