You know, i got to the banters in the patch, be careful spoilers
There are conversations between Gale and Astarion, where Gale expresses concern about the relationship between Astarion and Tav, Astarion says that he has changed and as an ascended vampire, he can grant immortality and bind to himself forever. (This is what happens on the night of the transformation). There is also a similar conversation with Halsin, Astarion replies that don't worry, we have consent, don't be so serious. There is a conversation with Mintara, where she asks if Astarion wants to share immortality with someone, he replies that he wants to share it only with true love, and Mintara replies that if you don't look at other necks, then this is true love. Or there is with Karlah, there she says that she doesn't trust Astarion, Astarion replies that he has someone who trusts him completely, and he doesn't need anyone else.
And Tav never once opposed Astarion's words. And if so, then what fear of Astarion can we talk about? But you can play this out, he's afraid to even say a word against Astarion, let's say, or he's completely subordinated to Astarion's will, as Halsin and Gale worry, then the expressions of patch 7 are even more suitable for this situation, Tav can't show fear and upset his master, that's exactly how I would play my Tav, who's afraid of Astarion, Tav doesn't have the strength to squeeze out even the emotion of fear, such kisses in such a situation show hopelessness even better. But this is not my case, now everything is perfect and by agreement with us, as it always was, now there is a lot of evidence of this, with such banters and satisfied faces. Only Will is completely dissatisfied with our couple, which greatly offends Astarion and Tav, I'm shocked, of course.
I understand that you liked the expressions of patch 6, but they do not make sense to leave them, so to speak. But if Larian finds a way to leave them, based on conversations, then fine, I will be happy for you, the main thing is that the kisses of patch 7 do not disappear.
But there is a danger that new players will accidentally get to kisses with fear, and this will cause anger, misunderstanding, and other negative emotions that we experienced in our time. Therefore, it is dangerous to leave these kisses with an expression of fear, I think. Please do not be offended, I understand you, but a happy face looks more convenient, you can play the role, as I described above, and break off relations at the very end, where Astarion is angry, and Tav is not able to leave him. Complete hopelessness.