but even for Connor because although I don't find him particularly sympathetic he sure is the way you've written him here

I'm really glad you feel that way. Because Connor does really terrible things, and he's doing a really terrible thing here--as you point out, it's him instigating and manipulating and hurting--but I don't think he's a cruel person. He honestly has no basis for judging things like good and wrong.

Thanks so much, Christie! I'm really happy you appreciated it.