Responses
I agree! I like him more as a character in the setting he's in because of his flaws, and they make a good backdrop to showcase Maxi's strength of character. Obviously in a modern setting he'd be terrible and you'd hate a friend to be dating him, but I think he's "realistic" within the realm of the story. And like you said, if he was perfect, it would be less "Maxi saved herself" and more "Maxi was saved by a big strong man". Nothing wrong with that, but it's definitely a common trope.
It is frustrating seeing Maxi upset though ╥﹏╥
I know Riftan is being an ass and he sucks for that but also I kind of love it. I don't think I'd enjoy Maxi's growth and her learning to take charge quite as much as I do now if Riftan was acting perfect and automatically supportive. Watching him want to protect her but be stupid about it and watching her want to help and putting her foot down and not put up with his well-intentioned bullshit is great, and I think the conflict between their characters and their desires is fun to see now that Maxi has grown a bit of a backbone.