Although sometimes I understand when someone really likes a certain character but not that character's canon ship(s). That makes more sense to me, but yeah, it just seems like waffling or not wanting to take a stand and risk being criticized

Right sometimes you don't really care that much so you're happy enough to see them with whoever--but then I don't consider that shipping at all really? Not in the way I define shipping I guess?

I also admit to liking difficult characters instead of their easier counterparts. ;)

Mmm yes. Similarly I don't like the idea of the Nice Guy who feels he deserves the heroine's love just because he's nice (i.e. Romance Coupons.) I want love interests to earn each other's love.