You are absolutely correct about his writing flaws. We have two threads about them.
I think what it ultimately boils down to is that they never took his romance seriously. Functionally speaking, hes just side sex for Tav.
I wanted a family with him anyway so the orphan ending doesnt bother me as much but I do understand why this would be unsatisfactory. Its also a bit that way for me too, because the option of adventuring and wandering the wilderness with him would also fit my Tav very very well. And the idea of everyone just splitting up at the end makes me kinda sad, but only because I bonded with everyone so strongly. I would never keep them from persuing other things in their lives though.
