That is not true. You just have to look at any big reddit thread about this topic from after Patch 6 was released to see that a vast majority thought the old expressions made perfect sense.
Well, that's not true, you just read what you wanted to read. I've seen the exact opposite situation.
There were even many votes where the majority were unhappy with the kissing in patch 6.
By the way, the patch notes say that facial expressions have been tweaked throughout the game, including the kiss with Astarion. Maybe it was a mistake in patch 6, and not a special addition to show Astarion's toxicity...,
Look:
Polished facial expressions and emotions across companion dialogues, including to the facial animations of your character during some kissing cinematics, including with the
Vampire Lord
Astarion.
