Granted, the last time I played this game was when it came out; I was a Freshmen in High School, so obviously, my read of the character and the game is subject to change if I do eventually revisit it (I think the only games in the series that I've maintained a consistent opinion of throughout the years are FFIV and IX).

I think my problem with Lightning is more emblematic of a problem I have with the cast in general. They all seemed so impulsive and confrontational; acting purely on instinct with little regard for the reality of the situation they're put into. Lightning goes off to fight the Sanctum. Why? Because she's frustrated, and needs to take it out on something. Hope vows revenge on Snow for his mother's death. Why? Because it's easier to blame one man than the entire society that led to their Purge. I vaguely remember the conflict between Vanille and Sazh, so I can't really comment on that, but the inner party conflict always felt melodramatic and forced to me.

I've always seen Lightning less as a female Cloud, and more of a continuation of the "tough female" character archetype in the vein of Celes and Aya Brea, the major difference is that most of Lightning's entire character is based around how "tough" she is. Most of what I remember re: Lightning's dialogue in the original FFXIII was how she could take care of herself and how she didn't need anyone's help. She's tough because she was a Guardian, she's tough because she has to take care of Serah, she's tough because she gets into conflict with the other party members. Celes has a few moments where she references her time in the Imperial service, but she also shows moments of resourcefulness, like when she tries to con Setzer, or when she warps Kefka away in the Magitek facility.