My opinions on the Derpy debacle

I have been following the recoil and outrage at how Derpy Hooves is portrayed, and have come to the conclusion that the critics are for the most part incorrect in their assumption that Derpy is mentally impaired. Rather it is quite the opposite. Derpy is used most often as a term of affection when applied to her, despite its other connotations the fans tend not to see her as impaired. The idea that she is "retarded" comes mostly from the critics and non-bronies, as a true brony loves all despite any failures they might have. We see her not as a "retard", but rather as a moderately intelligent but slightly confused mare. She's not an idiot like most non-bronies claim, she's actually quite intelligent but has trouble with her daily life because of her eyes, as well as occasionally experiencing mild confusion. (something that happens to the best of us!) I myself can identify with Derpy, we both tend to be shunned because of our levels of intellect. What I mean by this is that we have about the same level of intelligence, I have an IQ of around 140, I have observed her behavior for quite a while and I would put hers around 110-120. This means that she's not an idiot, rather that she's actually around or above average intelligence. (assuming of course that ponies could be placed at the same level as humans)
She just has problems on occasion. Also, if she was an absolute idiot why would she have be a mail-mare? I would guess if we were to ask her charges if she got them their mail, that they would say that she rarely if ever loses anything addressed to somepony that she delivers mail to. That alludes to the idea that she's actually rather intelligent and organized, she just happens to be a little confused at times; also if she was a "retard" why would she have become the assistant of that mysterious mysterious time-lord pony we all love?
Another problem I have with critics of Derpy is that most are SELECTIVE, what I mean by that is that most ignore the character snails;

Who doesn't seem to be noticed by these self-righteous critics who seek to remove all allusions to "retards" in MLP:FIM.
Which begs the question, why Derpy? I fear that as most Bronies see themselves in a character like Derpy, they seek to do away with her and break the spirit of the Brony community. (and when you consider that we basically made Derpy hooves, this seems like an egregious attack on the Brony community regardless of intent.)
Anoher thing they seem to fear is that children will shun anyone they think is like Derpy, this is totally incorrect as most children seem to love Derpy.
Children love watching Derpy hooves, the shunning only becomes a problem later on in life when middle and high school students try to look "cool".
If they were exposed to a character like Derpy is irrelevant, the pressures from the current societal norms would cause them to make their choice regardless.
As it stands now, most aren't affected by characters like Derpy. Most succumb to "peer pressure", meaning that most simply try to fit in with the opinions and traits of the masses. Which makes it hard for me to believe that middle or high school students are going to watch MLP:FIM en masse. They would be the only age group to truly recognize the mainstream idea that Derpy is "retarded".

Therefore I cannot find a justifiable reason to change Derpy Hooves in any way, as she is a lovable character and doesn't personify "retards"; She's actually a very intelligent and organized mare, who happens to have slight lapses on occasion. Her intelligence is at or above that of an average United States middle-high school student, she's just mildly "scatter-brained" at times. (which is absolutely a common trait in humans)
Therefore I refuse to believe that she's an idiot.

I don't mind hearing any one opinion on this matter if they are properly INFORMED on others opinions and have studied the FACTS of this case.

(please feel free to comment with your opinion, provided that it is appropriate and non-flaming. Please remain calm and post fact based opinions instead of "omg I hate you please die!' type "arguments" I would love to have a real debate with somepony, but I don't want it to come to verbal blows because you aren't properly informed.)
(also feel free to re-post this with it properly accredited to me, provided you ask first first and I approve of how you intend to use it, and tell people who wish to re-post it from your re-post that they should ask me for permission first.)
thank you and I hope you liked this post.

-TKM