I'm more confused now. @_@
Most people prefer shiny Pokémon as prizes, when I say shiny it means the popular ones! Emblems on the other hand, it's a mixed reception while mostly leaning to the positive side.
Regarding on the actual event. Seems like people want something that is challenging, nothing boring, nothing repetitive and nothing pressuring.
Ah, no wonder. You have to blame how the media depicts them and highlight the bad seeds/extremist as the representative of the religion. Secondly, I advice you to try not to look at people's comments on open websites like tumblr, Youtube. Sure, there are positive comments from those places, but we can't deny the percentage of negative and drama over those places are high. Try to be positive and stay away from negative sources!~