@Background Pony  
I don’t think having an especially strong affinity for their representative element would be flat, boring, or one-dimensional. It would simply make sense. Otherwise, how could we say they possess the “spirit” of those elements? Acting a little against them is one thing, but those complete 180s are outrageously stupid.

@Nightshade142  
Well, I’d hate them to be so one dimensional and stick to their element like glue. They’re not solely defined by their element so much as it’s one of their traits as a person (pony) and what they bring to their circle of friendship.
 
And with Gilda, would you really put up with somebody who’d treat others like crap? Said others being friends of your’s?

@when she felt her wings unfold  
Oh hey, someone gets it!

@Background Pony  
And OK, I feel bad. But she is somewhat self-deprecating too.

@when she felt her wings unfold  
“Worst pegasus”? “Happily admit it”? Nope and nope. She may be shy, but she’s not self-loathing.

@Nightshade142  
Loyalty shouldn’t be unthinking, and Dashie came to understand that. She had to choose, and choose a considered type of loyalty to her new friends over blind loyalty to anyone who ever hung out with her.
 
Sure, a little more questioning of herself, and of Gilda may have helped the story. A lot. But what are you going to do in a 22 minute episode?

@Nightshade142  
I can sort of agree with you about Dash’s loyalty impairment, but you’re dreaming if you think Gilda’s bad behavior can be blamed on anyone but herself.

“I’M NICE TO EVERYPONY!”

@when she felt her wings unfold  
Now see, THAT kind of character development would redeem her in my eyes! I really hope season 4 does something like that for Fluttershy or AJ, or the show will be about the “Mane 4 and those 2 background ponies”.
 
And while they’re at it, maybe they can address how Rainbow betrayed her long-standing friendship with Gilda, which is not a very loyal thing to do, because Pinkie can’t understand the “third wheel”

Worst pegasus, certainly. But I think she’d happily admit it.
 
@Nightshade142  
Interesting hints in MD that not only is she very sheltered/unworldly, but that she might not be that open-minded or willing to try new things (Zecora’s bit with the tea made her wrinkle her lip. Twi enjoys the stuff). Could be interesting if the show-runners decided to expand on it, show her adjusting to the hippy trail while on some royal assignment or other.
 
Have we met Fluttershy’s parents? What do they think of her earthbound way of life?
 
_{She also needs to make friends with other ponies. They all do by now.}

@MonkeyDzyrax  
Amen to that! Sometimes I just hate it when the Mane 6 go against their elements for the sake if the plot.
 
looking at you, “break every relationship” Dash
 
Still, my only gripe with Fluttershy is that, like poor AJ, there’s really nowhere to go with her character anymore. She’s just too flat for me.

@Ichijoe  
Blueblood, how dare you make Rarity cry.

@Ichijoe  
_*

No your not the “WORST PONY” ya silly that Honor goes to this Pony…  

You’re also the Element of Repressed Rage, sister. Pardon us if we keep our distance.

not with that attitude you’re not.

@Pawny.  
True, She and twilight and Pinkie are the only ones who act like their elements all of the time

Im not a big fan of Fluttershy, but to her credit she actually portrays her element of harmony on a decent basis other then when the plot specifikly needs her too, like when was the last time you saw Raibow Dash showing of loyalty or Rarity generosity in a way not necesary to drive the plot?

Sure ya are, honey.
 
And I’m the Element of Surprisingly Optimistic Fatalism.

Of course you’re not the worst. The only way that could be true is if you were the only pony in existence.

W…whatever you say, Fluttershy. Just don’t hurt me!