People who look at her badly because of this are just being naive.
Akimoto Yasushi is a vested veteran in the business he wouldn't bend over for someone who has less than a third of his experience and owes the whole of her career to him. Her agency probably was upset she wasn't progressing in AKB anymore and pushed for something, which probably got her the solo single and the photobook. Most likely they got it becuase Akimoto likes Kasai even if not as a center or a more than the new girls he is pushing, but it probably wasn't enough for her agency and they decided to amicably part ways. Let's consider that a solo single released the day after christmas and the same day as another competitive idol is not the best way to debut. Not to mention by what she said at the show it seems like she wants more imput on her songs and we know that isn't going to happen for her with AKB.
In the end it's all business. Putting this kinds of things on the girl herself is just not fair and shortsighted.
It's not that people look at HER badly. It's just that, it's almost as if they are trying to mess with us, by giving
her a single and a solo debut, and then graduating her. I'm pretty sure most people don't put the blame on
her,
but nevertheless, it's not good for her image careerwise. I mean, her single didn't even come out yet for Pete's sake.
It leaves a feeling of "Well, what now then?"
Regardless, I'm sorely disappointed, but I can't say that I'm surprised.