but they have to feel like PEOPLE to me personally, not like cardboard cut-outs. Which is obviously a subjective thing, but part of that is feeling like the world has sufficient depth that it doesn't just shape itself to the protagonists' needs, and like there are options other than happiness for them. Also, that the work behind their material comforts matters, whether they're the ones doing it or not

This makes total sense and is well put!!!

Oh, I don't think McKinley is cozy at all--I think she appears cozy at first glance because of the aesthetics of her worldbuilding, but I don't think she is at all.