Ahh, so the writers have done a great job of making Ranka a sympathetic character, well done!
Now it's Sheryl's turn so that we as the audience will feel conflicted when the whole romantic triangle goes into full swing...
Right now Ranka is the female Densha Otako, a pathetic character that we care about and want to root for. Either Sheryl will be the more successful rival or become the equally sympathetic love interest that Alto will have to eventually choose between.
I am liking the character development, much deeper than Mac 7 ever was...
Keep in mind as well that the latest rage in Japan are Korean dramas, so those will be influencing the market as well.