Emasculated Emmett?

Why did they turn a likable character from the first movie into such a lame guy in the second? I don't see an Alpha Woman like Elle going for a guy who seemed so emasculated as they made him in this movie. Also was a bit confused why they were engaged for so many years. In the beginning, she's rumored to be up for partner and they get engaged when she graduates. I know many lawyers and that doesn't happen quickly--maybe at a small firm, but she seemed to be at a large one. Bummed they recycled so many jokes and the dog family storyline was lame. Also, her DN sister (Margot? The blonde one--going blank right now) was engaged and trying on dresses in the first movie, but still hadn't married by the second one?