The GBA FE's have an inverse relationship.
As you get further from 6 to 8, support conversations get better, and gameplay gets worse.
FE6 tends to eke out FE7 in gameplay. But FE6 doesn't have Assassins.
Basically, FE7 wins because you can actually get attached to the characters. FE6 is too bland in such regards.
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Don't worry, Bill Murray!
Its things like this that make you wonder why the company that makes M&Ms don't make butter