Interesting! I never read enough NHS fic so didn't see this much, but I feel like (and this is certainly controversial-ish, too) there could also be something to say about how NHS is viewed as 'feminine' by fandom due to the way he orchestrated Meng Yao's death. Meng Yao himself seems to be viewed through a similar lens (though not as overtly). I feel like the comparison is NMJ and LWJ who are straightforward in their battle skills vs Meng Yao and NHS.

Coupled with Meng Yao and NHS not being as physically imposing...