@jessiemeow: Firstly the explanation is in the quote you quoted. Secondly for me this is a one time situation, in Karlach's case tasting the forbidden fruit - however fitting in that context (the whole Karlach rewrite is super weird in my opinion) - can be an argument. Thirdly "softening the expression" doesn't change him yanking the player character around - if anything this leads to the same conversation having had in the multitude of other threads on the subject: "Do I want to watch my character enjoying abuse." In the unascended route this comes with the added problem that you never have the turning-night scene but instead have a scene confirming the equality of your partnership. If I should add a suggestion for a third "kiss", it would be a hug - I wouldn't even mind the original peck you could give him back. It was cute and at least some of the other characters still have their pecks too.
