Yeah it's a shame that they decided to appeal to the horniest people to sell the game, credit to them that it worked.
This is not entirely on Larian. I mean, look at the posts here sometimes - people even want to bang that drider

.
It is around since BioWare introduced romances back in the day.
I personally could do with less romances and more honest friendship paths. I found for example the Astarion friendship with my little halfling girl totally adorable. Or that you can help Gale through a panic attack or talk to Shadowheart about her trauma. Lot of good stuff already there.
I want Helia as a companion, because I think she would have been an awesome addition to the cast and could have been a great companion to have around.y first look is never, if the character should be romanceable, but if a character is interesting and should have more interaction.
Take Raphael- for me, he is the best villain in the game next to Auntie Ethel. Unlike a lot of people, I think it would take away from him, would he be a romance option. He should stay that mysterious devil in the corner, who could be your last hope or the nail to your coffin and you don't know potentially until the end, what his intentions are. Just great writing here.