Someone pointed out that Riza seems to have transfered her issues with her father - devotion, need for approval and acceptance - onto Roy, which is probably the best explanation for manga characterization that I've heard. But it makes 'shipping them more than a little creepy.

I was bothered by Winry at the end, too. She's such a great character - or was - but then she got turned into standard manga girlfriend A and anything that made her and Ed work together - either as a couple or even just friends - was lost. But heaven forbid someone tell the EdWin shippers that.

And yeah, that's exactly why the ending bothered me. So when this person was going on about how perfect and happy the ending was, all I could think was that was the problem! I guess I'd rather that than have the story be dragged on and on, but I'm not going to be pleased.