I personally think that the author's good at choosing to kill off characters when their deaths have a meaningful impact on the narrative. For example, Marco's death during the Battle of Trost not only drives home the fact that the top 10 members of the 104th Training Corps (i.e. main characters) can die, but also starts Jean's Character Development.
Apart from that, I like Reiner significantly more than you do, particularly given how his story parallels Eren's in many ways.
The cast didn't "suddenly grow" a conscience about killing people; more than a few of them were uncomfortable about killing people in the Uprising Arc, and it's hardly a stretch for most of the main characters to be very uncomfortable with Eren's plan to wipe out all of humanity outside of the island of Paradis.
I haven't watched any Gundam, let alone Iron Blooded Orphans, but generally, it's best to limit how much time you spend comparing the work being reviewed to other works.
Incidentally, it might have been a good idea to wait until April 9 for the final chapter before writing your review. I doubt it would have changed your opinion on the series, but it might have added something for you to discuss. Then again, you can always edit your review to include your thoughts on the final chapter.
I do agree with you on the deaths to an extent, almost all the deaths up to S4 and beyond were well done. Marco kickstarting Jean's development, Erwin's death, Hannes, and the bowl cut guy in S 3 P 2. I have more of a problem with the deaths S4 and onwards. It's partly because I'm part of the Misaimed Fandom, so from my perspective the characters dying now are the villains/antagonists. Also regarding the Uprising Arc, they were uncomfortable about killing, but part of their development is about overcoming that aspect, even before that one of the big themes was giving up your humanity and moving forward. To me, they hardened themselves through that experience. As for killing the rest of the world, to me it would be more understandable for them to be upset if Eren was the one instigating it, rather than the entire world declaring war on Paradis first. Also the reason I compare it to another anime is simply because of how similar they are that it provides a good parallel and to state that I didn't always feel this way about S4 and beyond, I used to love it in fact.
As for the parallels between Reiner and Eren, I simply never bought it. To me they're Not So Similar: Eren's a Well Intentioned Extremist; Reiner simply wanted to be a hero; Eren doesn't care how others see him; Reiner constantly angsts; Eren displays a lack of remorse and angsts only during the Uprising Arc. For me, I like Eren because he has a goal in mind that I think is worth achieving. If Reiner's reasoning was because he's an Internal Reformist (although I doubt Marley would ever give him a position to accomplish that), I would root for him due to having a grander goal. It also makes me think, what'll happen after Eren's defeated, I predict Isayama will have it where the damage Eren caused the world resulted in the governments having a change in structure/format; becoming more democratic instead. But if that doesn't happen, you've essentially helped doom your homeland and keep a fascist government in power in Marley. Also, I think a big part as to why the dialogue failed is due to the cast being Fire Forged Friends, and that aspect works best in the midst of battle, not in expositional dialogue.
I don't think the fourth season and beyond are "horrible" per say, it's more "disappointing" if anything. I just wish the morality was handled with more subtlety and allowed me to get both perspectives (including Eren's more often), I wish there would be some Four Philosophy Ensemble when focusing on Connie, Armin, Jean, and Mikasa discussing the current matters. It would've helped flesh out their beliefs. The main reason I could root for the character before were simply because I thought they were in the right; they were fighting for freedom. Not because I liked their personalities.
What was I saying again?
I disagree on the Marley cast being unlikable. I found the Warriors way more engaging than the Survey Corps.
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How The Mighty Have Fallen(SPOILERS) (Revised)
I would first like to state that I am part of the Misaimed Fandom regarding Eren's actions. Also, most of this review will cover chapter 90/S4 onward, as most of my issues stem from there.
But before that, I have to say the show's best aspect have always been the fights and the tension during them. Most of the show's elements worked, like the characters, despite being rather generic. But due to being plot-driven and action-orientated, the lack of characterization and interactions are forgivable. The use of Flat Characters gaining a bit of depth and the cast's Fire-Forged Friendship helps attach you to them just enough. There are some Ass Pulls but certain ones I don't mind due to being heavily integrated into the plot afterward. The Plot Armor is egregious and contrasts with the attempt at Anyone Can Die, shattering my suspension of disbelief by the end.
As for S4 onwards, it departs from the action-heavy nature, being more dialogue-heavy and letting the characters have a bigger role. Nothing wrong with that in theory, but the cast consists of your stock shonen personalities with forgettable pasts, causing the dialogue between them, which tends to be As You Know, painful to listen to. It doesn't help that the Perspective Flip makes Marley's cast unlikable due to being dull and annoying. Reiner angsts so much that it feels emotionally manipulative, making him unbearable. His motives boil down to I've Come Too Far, but that usually works best for a Well-Intentioned Extremist, which he isn't.
The main cast suddenly growing an extremely heavy conscience about killing humans, after everything they've been through (like s3p1), feels like BS. There's a bit of moral grandstanding too, which can be irritating.
The main cast's Commander Contrarian attitude towards Eren's Necessarily Evil actions while they come up with no alternatives makes them Unintentionally Unsympathetic. The Marley cast is even more unlikable. And finally, the graying conflict devolves into having to choose between genocide of Paradis' inhabitants and omnicide of everyone outside of Paradis, resulting in So Bleak, It's Boring.
While I believe Isayama's intent may be anti-fascism, the story's presentation undermines that intent. The BigBad's morality revolves around freedom and ignorance which makes him sympathetic in comparison to Marley's cast's My Country, Right or Wrong attitude. Also, Isayama relies so heavily on the supernatural elements as Plot Devices leading to the lessons being Fantastic Aesops for me.
And finally, the ending. Not only is it Glurge, but it renders everything since the first chapter moot. The explanation given is not believable nor does it enhance the narrative. And the plot isn't even resolved. It's implied that a peace treaty may be signed, but I wonder how long that will last
. If not for that ending, I'd recommend the show despite all its flaws.