Sword Art Online (ALO arc) - What should have been left unseen [spoilers]

It's no secret that a significant portion of this subreddit (including myself) has had their patience run thin with the second-half of Sword Art Online.

However, episode 22 which recently aired has reminded me what the real tragedy is in this show: Kirito strives to conquer the unconquerable quest so that he may revive his one-true-love, without knowing whether she's actually there, whether revival is possible, or whether she will even be herself when she wakes up.

Yui's confirmation of Asuna's player ID location is supposed to be a critical shifting point for Kirito, as it is confirmation that he is on the right track. Before then, taking care of Lyfa and following his own principles had been more of a priority.

If one simply cuts out every scene involving Asuna and Oberon so that we know absolutely nothing about her current status, Kirito's tragedy becomes apparent:

• The last time we see Asuna conscious is when they shared their real names as Aincrad fell apart.

• The only clues we have to bringing Asuna back include her comatose body in hospital, and a blurry image of her in a cage on the top of the World Tree.

• The top of the World Tree has remain unconquered even several months into the game; how will Kirito conquer (in less than a week might I add) something that fully equipped and experienced raid parties could not hold a light to?

• She is a captive of the game's administrator (God), who also boasts the technology to manipulate memories. Even if he conquers the unconquerable, how will he challenge the power of God? How does he know Asuna is still Asuna?

Even in the face of such uncertainty and overwhelming defeat, he presses on. Forged from the front-lines of the two-year death game and fueled by his love, we as the audience trust him to overcome the odds and give him a silent cheer as he accomplishes the impossible. Because despite being somewhat of a Gary Sue (which I think is more an SAO failure to emphasize his weaknesses), he really demonstrates what it means to love someone wholeheartedly.

TL;DR: Trashing every scene where Asuna is conscious in ALO would improve the show immensely.

PS: My favorite Ep. 22 scenes:

• This particular scene in episode 22, combined with Kajiura's emotionally pertinent soundtrack almost squeezed a tear out of me.

• And I thought this part straight afterwards had Spartan levels of badassery.

PPS: Yes I know this should be posted to r/trueanime, but I'm appealing to a wider audience.