I like Hinata's theme of the loser having more confidence. She has this in common with Rock Lee and Naruto. That's why she admires Naruto so much because he was shunned by the entire village but gained everyone's respect. She probably relates to that being shunned by her father and clan but someday gaining their respect as well.
And she probably thinks Naruto's a cute boy too... Nothing wrong with that lol.
I sorta thought Neji died to force Hinata through pain to develop. The real reason Neji died--to bring her closer to Naruto--is disgusting beyond all belief. The "die for our ship" Trope is a real thing that actually happened in Naruto lol.
I like the first part too about how HInata is similar to Lee and Naruto in the sense she is someone who is trying to have more confidence.
Of course, like you, I thought it damn dumb to kill off Neji to bring Hinata closer to Naruto when she didn't even completely come off like she cared he was dead after a few minutes, which is kinda pitiful!
It still just makes me wish Hinata had developed more and more while Naruto was away, rather than getting nervous around Naruto still...