so what would have been best for the realm?

It would have been betrothing Rhaenyra to her uncle Daemon. Sure, incest, gross.

But I think it goes back to Otto’s rivalry with Daemon and his whispers in the king’s ear.

Is it all because Daemon is the one man who sees him for what he is and calls him out for it? So he poisons the king against his brother and heir? I think so.

So, if Daemon and Rhaenyra are betrothed, the line of succession is clear and becomes inviolate. No war is going to happen. House Targaryen stays strong. Wheel keeps spinning and the realm meets the Night King strong and united and with Dragons to spare.

All thrown off because Otto…

Poisoned the king against his brother
Whored out his daughter as a political power ploy/grab
Convinced his daughter her friend was evil and would kill her and her children for power

I think Alicent’s motivations are clear and honorable from her point of you. She is trying to protect her children (and hey, clearly got over the incest grossness because her son and daughter are betrothed).

I think Rhaenyra’s actions are clear and honorable from her point of you. I mean, sure, she just married her uncle because she’s always been horny for him and removed her husband to do so.

But the way she removed Laenor shows both her love for him and ability to maneuver deftly. He gets what will make him happy. The realm should conceivably be strengthened by it. Everyone should win from this arrangement.

Unfortunately she has been set on a collision course with her former BFF.

Great stuff.

Rhaenyra giving Laenor a happy ending and new life was one of the kindest acts we've seen in this universe.

Some are upset about that, because they think the writers are trying to tell us who's side (good) to be on. I don't think Rhaenyra's character would let him be killed though, and it's not like they didn't kill and innocent person to pull it off.