Yeah, I would like to believe that, but to me it was more, "how superficial and consumerist some people get."

Yes, also she showed more for him than for the consumerist co-worker, or even her own family.

It was decent, it was bad he sexually attacked Matsuko, but then it was shown "it was a one time thing, he was lonely, young and desperate" and then the book went over itself to redeem it (and also due to that stupid treatment of rape). So I don't know.

Jumonji you mean? I kinda hated him, specially for the way he treated Kuniko, women "who look like her" are worth nothing, etc., etc.