What the writer is trying to say is Lightning is Square Enix's symbol for feminism. And it pisses me off when feminist males always think they know exactly what it means to be a feminist.
Lightning is one of the worst characters out there. In XIII, she passed as a character. I can forgive everything about her because we didn't have alot in the story to cover all the important things.
"Since the release, Lightning has been a controversial subject amongst the fans, which makes her a good example of a character pushing the boundaries."
Lightning is definitely a controversial character, and she definitely pushes boundaries. But the entire article focuses on how she pushes the gender-boundary. Not exactly, she pushes how much bad writing and ideas can be implemented.
Lightning honestly doesn't even look that sexy to me. If you try to put Lightning in the real world. She actually resembles that of a bully. And not the bully that spreads rumors. the actual bully that messes with both boys and girls physically.
In Final Fantasy XIII, she was a loud, cold, person. Who was willing to fight everyone. She was unbarable to stand. No one called her out on it, ever. So how are we suppose to accept that as genuine trait of hers, when they ignore it enough to make it a flaw. But when she opens up her past, does she change? All she does is yell less, and a little supportive whenever the others conveniently have problems (i'm looking at you hope, how can you give a random emotional speech about overcoming and sticking with your friends, and suddenly just burst out in weakness just to gain your eidolon?) She never really "developed" except relying on others. And this is the worst part. How many times have we seen this trope? Just because she's female, we should excuse that its been overdone? We've had Cloud, we've had Squall, and now Lightning. Whats the difference? Lightning does it an unconvincing way.
Worst of all, is Lightning becomes more and more transparent throughout the series. In XIII-2 she is now a supportive role, but still with the added trope of being chosen guardian for a god, and I was actually hoping LIghtning would actually develop into a completely new character in Lightning Returns. But she doesn't. Not even when child Lightning (who looks nothing like her) is revealed. She still remains this empty character. Everything about her is forced. it never comes naturally.