> I would agree that Zero's influence had a
> "softening" affect on Ryoko's
> otherwise abrasive personality -- but I didn't
> expect her to turn into a
> wimp.  (I was amazed that she didn't fry Misaki
> after the latter used her
> face like so much taffy.)

Ayeka and Ryoko had a pretty good fight in GXP17, so I
doubt Ayeka's advantage will hold very long.

However, Ryoko has always been portrayed as having
more the mentality of a bully than brave warrior in
OAV canon.

Before the cave, she murdered people who were
defenseless against her though that urge faded over
time - she also never felt fear nor was she in any
actual danger - so she never had to display any
bravery or courage.  She didn't even obey Kagato's
instructions out of fear, rather because it was 'less
bothersome' to do so.

In episode 2, she tried to physically force Tenchi
into giving her the gems until the masterkey actually
hurt her upon touch.  Then she suddenly became meek
and pleading (yeah, I know, an act).

In episode 2, Ryoko was mouthing off to Ayeka pretty
badly, until being stung by the Tenchi-ken again -
where upon she was willing to answer questions pretty
willingly.

In episode 2, she held Sasami hostage with her energy
sword.  One episode later, she was scared away by this
same girl during her rummaging of the princesses'
room.  "Oh no!  This ain't gonna look good!"

In episode 4, she conjured an onsen monster and as
soon as she found out that she couldn't control it due
to her lack of gems, she promptly ran and let Tenchi
handle it.  Even showed Ayeka the deadend IIRC^_^

In episode 4, knew Kagato was coming yet lacked the
courage to tell anyone, AFAIK.

In episode 6, she hoisted the annoying Washu up and
threatened her and called her pipsqueak or something. 
In episode 7, Washu helps Mihoshi get her ship back,
Ryoko and Ayeka run away again like cowards behind a
bush because the onsen monster appeared with the ship.
 Washu effortlessly destroyed the thing and the
incident on the dock after ep8, Ryoko never again
treated Washu like she did in episode 6 though she has
major incentive to do so.  (Episode 13.5 also comes to
mind.)

She was also pretty defenseless against Zero and Clay.

Her fight with Kagato, she had thought she lost
Tenchi...... the effort was commendable but it isn't
the typical behavior with Ryoko throughout the series.
 She kept shouting 'run away!'  It probably was
because that would also be her first plan of action if
Tenchi weren't there and in danger.

In episode 15, she also gives Mihoshi a major kick for
sleeping, but I'd suspect that behavior would change
if Mihoshi would stand up for herself and had the
means to back it up.  Like her behavior changed with
Washu and Tenchi, and inexplicably Sasami (probably
through cuteness, not retaliatory force^_^)

> Oh, nevermind: I assume I'm in the minority on this
> one.  Perhaps the
> "kinder, gentler" Ryoko is more appealing to the
> mass audience in general,
> and to one clueless prince in  particular....

Since Tenchi knew his destiny and the answer to it
since the beginning, I doubt it's for the prince's
benefit from MK's POV.

Just some thoughts after enjoying ep15,
Rolf