I don't really have any problems with Elena as a character. Her decision to have Damon compel Jeremy away pissed me off, but at least Bonnie called her on it so it's not like the writers just gave her a free pass about it (and I figure it won't stick anyway, it's just the writers writing around the budget not letting them have every character in every episode). But, while she isn't my favorite character, I do like her. I don't get the hate.