people > most people.
I haven't watch the anime yet but if the MC is going to be a wuss for the whole series until the end (dunno how many episodes has) then I can understand how people feel about this anime. I dislike when a main character shows no progression at all until the end. Not that I can judge Evangelion atm because I haven't tried it myself but there has been couple of animes, that are not even shounen, and I end up putting in on-hold for an unlimited amount of time because I can't stand the MC.
Will definitely try the anime sometime next year and see it for myself as to why many people dislike the dude.
Shinji being reluctant and suicidal throughout most of the series is a breath of fresh air and actually realistic as to how nearly any actual person would be in that situation. He's also a parodic take on GENERIC 12 YEAR OLD BOY WHO IS ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE THE UNIVERSE, starting off frustratingly simple in a complex surrounding.
If it's progression you're worried about then don't worry- entire series is a closeted little dependent boy being pushed & probed further than anybody should ever be pushed. He even falls in love with the final villain, as the boy is the only one who has ever understood or loved him back. The whole series is based around him breaking, (and in some versions being saved) so don't worry about that.
He's got actual psychological complexes from the Hedgehog's Dilemma to an Oedipus Complex, it's not like when Naruto gets a bit sad and Ichigo/Eren/Naruto/Rin get angry and give into the demon within them...this is actual themes and it completely stands out in a way you probably haven't seen in anime before. It took me ages to appreciate Eva and I can't even say I love it but it's undeniably smart and well done.