I've had a number of people send me comments via e-mail about my previous post. They're all in the 'keep it up', '3-dimensional characters rock', and 'don't let the nay-sayers dissuade you' category.
It was never my intention to let one twit dictate to me how my characters should/should not be. They're individuals, each with their own viewpoints. They'll be themselves and follow their own beliefs. How they might change is still up in the air.
As far as progress - Chapter 5 first draft is 'stewing' right now, Chapter 6 is being written. This IS going a lot faster than I first thought, though I can't guarantee continued 'every other day' updates. Time will tell.