I wasn't aware that they were as hated as you claim, Forsaken Lover. I for one, love the flashback sequences with Laguna, Julia, Kiros, Ward, and Raine. I especially love when he first meets Julia. His awkwardness is just so adorably funny. Of course my other favorite part is the dance sequence which is probably most people's favorite part.

The only thing I disliked about about the flashback sequences aside from them not being the primary part of the story (I felt that should have been because Squall's story blows imo) was the battle music when you'd get to play as Laguna, Kiros, and Ward. Wasn't feelin' it.