Pretty in Pink: Did Duckie Deserve Better? Or Was He The Problem?

Okay, so I just rewatched Pretty in Pink (again, I know, I know). And I'm still torn about Duckie. On one hand, Jon Cryer is amazing in that role. He's funny, he's heartbroken, he's got some killer dance moves (though maybe a little extra, lol). And Andie just kinda friendzones him HARD. Like, she totally uses him for emotional support and then dumps him for Blaine? Ouch. You kinda feel bad for the guy! But here's the thing that's been bugging me: is Duckie really just this innocent victim? I mean, he is so over the top. He pressures Andie constantly, and like, I get he's head-over-heels, but it feels almost possessive at times. Remember the scene at the record store when he's trying to convince her Blaine is a jerk? It's not about her happiness, it's about HIM. And the prom scene... that was just painful to watch and not just for Andie. It feels like he's trying to force her to see him the way he wants to be seen. And that's where my theory comes in. Maybe Duckie isn't just getting 'friendzoned.' Maybe Andie is picking up on that underlying… desperation? Like, he's not just in love with her, he's in love with the idea of her. And honestly, Blaine isn't much better (rich boy syndrome is a whole other issue!), but at least he sees her, flaws and all, a little bit more. It feels like Duckie's 'love' is more about fulfilling his own romantic fantasy. What do you guys think? Did Andie make the right choice (even though Blaine is kinda blah)? Or was Duckie genuinely robbed of his chance? One last thought: Annie Potts kills it as Iona. She's the real MVP of that movie. Okay, end rant!