@Hollowlegs:
I suppose that's fair... but this still grates on me in a particular way that at least
some of those broadly-consensual erotic semi-sadomasochistic relationships do not, at least not always. Even if they aren't generally my cup of tea. (I haven't tried Nagatoro—I don't think I would like it)
I mean, yes most shounen romances have some male wish fulfillment, but it doesn't have to be so... much? Like, on the one hand, there's male wish fulfillment like, "Gee, that's an enviable position to be in," and then there's male wish fulfillment like, "This universe exists to only to pleasure the protagonist". I don't know, I'm not sure I have the vocabulary for the distinction. Perhaps I should instead say that the issue is when the story is very degrading towards the love interest(s)?