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I was a bit let down by DH for several reasons, and you've expertly pinpointed the two largest ones - Dumbledore's cold-hearted manipulation, and Snape's belittled suffering and ultimately purposeless death. Dumbledore maintained a stranglehold over Snape's actions, even after the man had passed on.
Viewing Snape's memories in the Pensieve brought home just how callous and devious Dumbledore could be. I had thought that Dumbledore was possibly the only one who trusted and cared about Snape - now we learn that the relationship was possibly the most toxic of all.
Some have argued that Snape's love for Lily was selfish and stalker-like, since he could not let go. I believe that Dumbledore kept Snape tied to Lily's memory through guilt and self-blame. If Snape overcame his need for repent, then his puppet would be gone. Dumbledore gave Snape a second chance, but if someone had intervened during his school years, perhaps he would have never wasted the first one.
Viewing Snape's memories in the Pensieve brought home just how callous and devious Dumbledore could be. I had thought that Dumbledore was possibly the only one who trusted and cared about Snape - now we learn that the relationship was possibly the most toxic of all.
Some have argued that Snape's love for Lily was selfish and stalker-like, since he could not let go. I believe that Dumbledore kept Snape tied to Lily's memory through guilt and self-blame. If Snape overcame his need for repent, then his puppet would be gone. Dumbledore gave Snape a second chance, but if someone had intervened during his school years, perhaps he would have never wasted the first one.