This isnt quite as innovative as you think. It's been done before.

Hell I've seen shows go entire arcs without the mc, while focusing on side characters etc

It's a nice change from the generic stuff that's churned out all the time, but it's been done plenty as well.

I mean, the shows I know on here did get heavy criticism for not following the source material and not doing it justice.

Making them bad adaptations

Bad adaptations can be good as stand alone, but they don't do the source material justice

I mean the ones on this list I know did get massively criticised for not following the source material or not doing it justice.

Can't speak for every show on the list but it's a rare case where they're right

BIG THE CAT.

BIG THE CAT.

BIG THE CAT.

It's absolutely criminal he hasn't at least had cameos like he did in every sonic adventure 2 level.