Slayers Universe Sylphiel...Neglected?

Sylphiel gets very small parts in the end of Slayers and again in Next - and then we never see her again. Poof, vanished.

And here comes the question, then. Why was this?

Is Sylphiel so flat of a character that the writers can't think of where to put her? Is she unpopular? Or is she perhaps just always in the places where Lina and the gang never go?

What do you personally like or dislike about Sylphiel, and what is your theory on why she's a minor major character?

 

Which presents an interesting love triangle. Sylphiel is quite enamored with Gourry, who is completely clueless about it. There is definately something between Lina and Gourry, but Lina is too headstrong to admit to that.

If anything shifted the balance even slightly, there's the possibility of the two girls becoming rivals for Gourry's affections. Although, it's more likely that Lina wouldn't have the guts to come forward and admit anything, and would let Sylphiel and Gourry run off together. She'd move on solo again - with a possible emotional session now (see Slayers Next, the morning after Phibrizzo takes away Gourry) and again.


Amelia's father. Good old, prince Philonel. I'd personally like to see him stick around with the group, but his age and position are acceptable plot exits for him. There's something funny about a really beefy, scary guy, who practices pacifism...