I do think that the imbalance between canon and app definitely hurt you here and cleaning that up would help. It also sounds like this is a case of a very extreme canon, where Rika is only not cruel by comparison, and that's definitely causing a disconnect between us. But I hope you don't feel pushed to call her something she's not! A little more explanation, whatever term you pick, would probably clear this up.
Re: Rika apper
I do think that the imbalance between canon and app definitely hurt you here and cleaning that up would help. It also sounds like this is a case of a very extreme canon, where Rika is only not cruel by comparison, and that's definitely causing a disconnect between us. But I hope you don't feel pushed to call her something she's not! A little more explanation, whatever term you pick, would probably clear this up.