Does Elfen Lied Really Deserve Its Unsavory Reputation?

The horror anime Elfen Lied is often dismissed as edgy, schlocky gorefest filled with cheap fanservice. Does it really deserve this reputation?

Elfen Lied: Complete Collection + OVA (Blu-ray) : Movies & TV

Elfen-Lied-Diclonius DeviantArt Gallery

Elfen Lied Review & Characters – Dark, Intense, and Brilliant

Most people seems to agree that Elfen Lied is bad but I find it pretty decent. What do you think about it? - Quora

Elfen Lied (TV Mini Series 2004) - News - IMDb

Is it too much to ask : r/Animemes

Elfen Lied Review

Kaede, Elfen Lied Wiki

Elfen Lied Episode 5 The View from the Junkyard

User blog:Loka Fåghel/Carnage VS Lucy - An Honest Review, DEATH BATTLE Wiki