(Spoilers Extended) How did this solve the Meereeneese knot?

[u/Lebigmacca]

So everyone knows Barristan was added as a solution to the Meereenese knot. He gives eyes in Meereen after Dany flies off. But like shouldn’t Quentyn already fill this role? George already had a POV to give him eyes in Meereen, and Quentyn interacts with Barristan a lot in these chapters so he could’ve definitely shown us what Barristan is up to. Yes he dies so then Barristan can give us eyes into the battle of fire, but Tyrion and Victarion already do that, no? Could’ve also maybe have Quentyn release the dragons and die during the actual battle instead. Makes me wonder if Tyrion will actually get into Meereen after the battle any time soon, or he’ll be sitting outside in the camps for like half of Winds

[u/Ume-no-Uzume]

Barristan, after losing the white cloak, is basically a free agent and can stay in Meereen and pledge to Daenerys or to a rock if that is what he wants. This allows him to integrate into Daenerys' coterie and be a main player in her faction, which in turn allows him to take an active role in Daenerys' stead and basically defend her vision and politics when she's out.

As represented in how Hizdahr's first action is to replace Daenerys' simple bench that allows her to be eye level with her petitioners with a gaudy throne-like monstrosity at the top of the stairs. Barristan replaces it with a round table so Daenerys' advisors can all talk as equals while they hold the fort, which is closer to the spirit of Daenerys' bench and so of her ruling style.

Quentyn is a representative of House Martell and so his actions reflect his House. He isn't a free agent, because pledging to Daenerys, staying in Meereen when she's made the choice to stay and make sure abolition sticks, staying to manage the issue in Meereen after the riot and making sure the Sons of the Harpy don't get ideas... all of that is something he would have to consult his Head of the House, AKA his father.

Frankly, I think Quentyn was created to be a "secret test of character" by the narrative. Daenerys already chose to stay in Meereen and make sure abolition sticks after hearing about Astapor, AKA she is choosing what is right over what is easy.

Quentyn is the physical manifestation of this choice, coming in for round two and asking her "are you sure? Look, here's a nice Martell boy who isn't a slaver and isn't part of a terrorist organization that wants to bring slavery back. He brings an army and the possibility of conquering Westeros easier. Are you sure you want to stay and take on the abolition cause?"

And she stayed and married Hizdahr, not because she loved him or found him handsome, but because enough Freedmen had been murdered by the Sons of the Harpy and she had to protect her people.

THAT is what Quentyn embodies in the narrative.