Mind you, it took me through most of s1 of Black Sails before I liked anyone on that show, and we didn't find out the key information re: Flint until mid s2 (though I'm proud that I can prove I did voice it as a theory after having watched s1, during the season hiatus)

That's a feather in your cap, for sure. I watched real time and was stunned, albeit in a delighted way. Because that's the kind of bold move precious few shows could ever pull.

I think it's possible to watch a show and develop affection later than the first few episodes. However, one shouldn't force it.

I hear that. Still, since everyone who has read the book speaks of it in glowing terms, I'm hopeful that the show will end up convincing me to like it? But until that happens, it's a bit of a rough go, I fully admit.