I think how you interpret a piece of art speaks more about you than the artist. As someone who has drawn and wrote a bit as a hobby, I know that not all I do is a parallel of my own convictions. For a good story I need to create a character that has different points to mine but appropriate for his situation and this character might be the protagonist. It doesn't mean I have an agenda to promote things. Heck, some creations come in the spur of the moment and whatever we were thinking and feeling when they came to life is gone in a few hours. The idea of a perpetual stance with a piece is silly.
Fanart is re-interpretation. It is bringing to life some vision of these characters, yet once again, this vision doesn't necessarily needs to align to our convictions. If I draw a slob, old and disgusting looking Link. Like LS said about the 101 interpretations would come from 100 that saw my work. Whatever was my intent shouldn't stop you from getting your own impressions on what my piece communicates. That is fine and good. That resonance is what makes people care about your art. it woke something in the public positive or negative is there.
What do you guys think about all of this? Are the reactions of these fandoms justified? Are they being taken to the extreme? Should all of this really be the way it is?
To be honest I think it is an overreaction. I can understand where they are coming from but from the point they are trying to force people into "can" and "can't" they are crossing a line from where I cannot agree.
There are many ways I can show my displeasure to a piece of Fanart or a Fanart trend. I won't put my money on people I don't like their work. I can talk about how I think it is wrong and why and I can try to promote the fanart I like and express why I like it so much, I can make contributions of my own and encourage others to consider doing this or that.
For this Thinsula post it is just appalling she goes to this length to ridicule a person that is basically agreeing with her because her explanation happened to include sentiments geared towards the freedom of art. This person is on a high horse saying she is not asking much when she's basically demanding people to do anything except what she happens to disapprove.