The Shaido imo represent fear winning over acceptance/knowledge. It seems to be a common human element, so in that regards, I don't dislike the Shaido, but on the same hand I understand they are weaker than the other clans due to their inability to use logic and instead focusing on their baser...
yes I agree with this, even if they do that arc heavily, I think it may just go over peoples heads you are right! fantasy context, lot of magic and lot of elements at play... it changes perception.
I think this is a common theme in a lot of elements throughout history, even in post-WWI Germany. I don't think there will be that loud of a voice on the critic front of it, also, I have yet to meet a Wheel of Time person who was close minded. Wheel of Time is in its essence a very diverse...