See, I agree with everything you say, and I want to zero in on this in particular:
The problem I have with the article is really placing the blame on the show. The fact that the show exists is not the reason that behavior exists. The show exists as a reflection of that behavior existing (at times), at other times it is created by that behavior, and a multitude of other factors.
That's why I think the article has no weight. It's blaming the show. The show is not the cause, and it's cheap to blame the show for it.
One thing that struck out in the article was when they said Rick failed at suicide because he was drunk and passed out. Did they watch the same fucking episode I did? He didn't pass out. He just didn't commit suicide. They are quite obviously changing things to fit their narrative.
Rick is REALLY flawed.
You know what this reminds me of? The fans of It's Always Sunny who act like there's nothing wrong with the gang. The gang is nothing but horrible, disgusting characters. The writing, however, is brilliant at making fun of those people. I've heard multiple people on that show saying if you like the characters, you're part of the problem.
I don't want to get too deep into Rick and Morty, but once I found out Rick's character is based on what Harmon goes through with his depression, it's a game-changer. You can see Rick wants to be a good guy, but he's too much of a fucking asshole to be one.
While it's a comedy at it's heart, Rick and Morty is a DARK show. This last season is a perfect example of that. It really goes above and beyond how fucked up Rick is. He's a piece of shit this season (especially the last few episodes).
Back to that article, briefly. They criticize Rick for emasculating Jerry. That smacks of desperation to prove a point that's not provable. Of all the characters on the show, Jerry is the fucking worst. He's garbage. He's just a dumpster fire. He's a leech and goblin. I HATE him. For fuck's sake, he almost got his kids killed because he's so selfish and spineless. I really, truly hate him. But I'm also glad he's on the show to get railed on. Fuck him.