The way Shado and Laurel died helpless there is a much stronger argument for the show runners being misogynistic that those criticizing them. You can a woman trussed up, you have one killed, but both at the same time is very bad form. Especially when men get heroic deaths like Captain Cold.
Don't foret Ruve's death. Despite being the co-villain of the season, she killed whilst being captured and helplessly tied up by a minor, recurring villain who showed up out-of-the-blue.
Regarding the criticisms leveled against Laurel and Felicity, there is a marked difference in terms of subject matter. With Laurel, it essentially boiled down to the critics wanting her character to behave and act perfectly (i.e. already fully trained/poised to become the Black Canary, not making irrational decisions and/or misattributing blame out of grief, etc).
In contrast, with Felicity, the main complaint being made is more of an undue focus. Personally, I feel this criticism holds the most merit. Back in Seasons 1 and 2, Arrow pretty much set up a formula where side characters do not get much screen time and where they do get focus and development, it generally lends itself to the Oliver and/or the overarching plot; or at most is in the odd episode. In other words, while there is a large cast, Arrow is not per say an ensemble show. Then, beginning around Season 3, Felicity's growth as a character changed this dynamic up with her getting much more time and focus; taking time away from Oliver, at a pace that outstrips the other side characters, and in fact to the point said side characters rarely get any storylines at all.
In a way, the situation with Felicity is akin to
Wesley Crusher on Star Trek TNG.
