On a somewhat related note, I'm really not happy with the portrayal of female characters. I do kind of like Misa Amane, but she's the most prominent female character and is a pretty but not-too-bright model who is motivated entirely by her love for Light. Kiyomi Takada, another prominent, is described as stupid despite her good grades and is also strongly motivated by wanting to be Light's romantic partner.

I agree with you on that; as much as I liked the anime, it could have been more nuanced with the female characters, and yes I agree with you on Misa, Kiyomi, Naomi and Halle, such potential wasted X_X;