Carol and Andrea live independently from each other. Carol has gotten more development and screen time this season, despite Andrea's increased screen time. Actually, both female characters have seen an increase in screen time and storytelling this season, yet they both co-exist peacefully within the story. Beth's screen time has increased as well. Maggie's remains about the same, but her storyline carries more of a punch this season. And we now have Michonne as well. If anything, it's the men who are getting less air time.
In fact, Carol's death would more likely pave the way for Rosita to be introduced and take her place. Or any other new character, male or female. Carol has risen and flourished independently. Pumping the hate for the other female characters due to Carol's death is jumping gun, especially since it hasn't even happened (and we don't even know IF it will happen). For all we know, Carol survives them all.
Despite the increased screentime, she still doesn't have nearly as much as the rest of the core cast (spare perhaps Beth). I'd say she has about the same front-and-center focus as Milton, and that makes me sad. The character herself has an amazing amount of future story potential; moreso than most of the male characters, and definitely any other female, including Andrea.
Honestly, I couldn't see a more fitting death for Andrea than at the end of this season; given how they've directed her arc. She's trying to keep the peace between the two communities, prevent any more lives from being taken. She's the one symbol of hope in stopping this war, and stepping up as a leader (to the townspeople who'd most likely be participating in the bloodshed) only heightens this chance that she'll succeed. It'd mirror the way Dale went out, their efforts proven pointless at the end of the day because of the new, barbaric world they're living in. It'd also make her deciding not to kill TG even heavier of a scene than it already is.
I feel it's the closest to 'redemption' that the writers can do for her at this point, without seeming shoved down my throat.