I like how even a love potion can't make Dash not hate his guts, just find him attractive.

11506912
So, usually, I hate using potions that just fix everything. I would prefer to limit potions to just the effects needed to go one step ahead. However, having Zecora on the team kind of pushes me to use potions, so something that's similar to a show-accurate potion sits pretty well with me. If the CMC can make it, Zecora can understand what the different ingredients do and modify it accordingly.

And even then, it can still go wrong with user error.

The full reasoning for why they opted to go this way will be explored further in chapter 51.

11507018
If that's something you didn't like about this story, you'll be pleased to know that the instructions had everyone agreeing far faster, their reason being because everyone loves Cozy Glow. Giving them all more personal and logical reasons to join, as well as any amount of pushback, was not in the script and was added in by me. I figured any amount of reason would be better than, and I quote from the instructions I was given, "because they all admire Cozy so much."

I absolutely feel where you're coming from, though.

Maybe Cozy Glow should try more the "Love It -- Need It" spell that the love poison or just directly learn to brainwash others like Chrysalis did with Shining Armor

11508274
So, the reason she doesn't use Chrysalis's method is because I wanted that to be something exclusive to changelings. I actually use that in Hivemind Control, a story I did last year in which Chrysalis takes over Equestria with the help of her most trusted advisor, Cercus.

As far as using the spell, Celestia was able to fight that off with ease. Plus, she'd need to be seen by the ponies in order to do that, plus having her subjects killing each other to have the honour of being her chair. That's too much attention.

Good questions, though.