Part of the problem with my frustrations was the lack of an ethical gray area, everything appeared to be black and white, of course, this was a series marketed towards children that became a phenomenon picked up by adults.

I hate to say it, but as a kids book these books work. As something for analytical readers to swallow, not so much.

I concur with your assessment on the deathly hallows, what purpose they really served was the elder wand, which was the only logical way you could have a wizard of Voldemort’s abilities be defeated by a mere seventeen year old boy. Let’s face it, Harry was not the best student and, like Lupin argues in the first part of Hallows he attempts to steer clear from defending himself with lethal force.

Voldemort could fly and has so much more knowledge then Harry. As a role model for being a diligent student Harry flunks. It was a cop out in my opinion.

That being said, I did enjoy some semblance of an ethical gray area with Dumbledore with regard to his sister.

Overall I think one has to approach the Harry Potter series as one of enjoyment. It will not be finding a spot into the Western Canon despite all of the praise heaped onto the book, but it will be one remembered for fun reading, if not analytical.