Also, Emet... is crafted specifically to be liked, or at least pitied. The humanity at the center of his struggle to right everything that happened highlighted on purpose. He is a broken man doomed to lose an uphill battle and he knows it, but the guilt won't let him stop.

He's the hero of another story, which is why he's constantly referred to as a hero in canon. His were awful, but ultimately he wasn't destroying for the sake of destroying, wasn't moving to awaken Zodiark for "muhaha" points. He was desperately trying to fix a mistake.

Alisaie contemplates the fact that she might have done the same as him in desperation. Ryne wonders what would have happened if there was an understanding. The Scions seem to be outright offended on his behalf when Elidibus basically says "he was nuts you can't carry out memory"

What Emet did was horrible, but he's meant to be someone you examine your own actions through. How far WOULD you go for the sake of saving people? Not even those you love, just people in general?

He's a hero who has lived more than long enough to see himself become a villain.