@LegionGuy49
Harem endings are lazy ways to end the romantic conflict.
Agreed, but polyamorous endings aren't. With a harem, all the members are just kind of magically willing to share the MC because they just lurve them so much. With a poly relationship, you have to explain
why everyone is willing to share. Is it because they've got other partners outside the relationship? Is it because they're as interested in each other as they are in the MC? Is it because they need a lot of alone time? Is it because they don't believe they're capable or deserving of getting a partner all to themselves?
If you're into stories with conflict and angst, poly relationships offer just as much drama fuel as monogamous ones. More, usually.
Two girls can be best friends without being romantically involved.
Well, sure; so can a girl and a boy. Komi and Tadano have been that way for the entire manga. But readers still got excited whenever a hint dropped that they might be romantically interested in each other, so why wouldn't we get excited for Komi+Manbagi or Tadano+Katai possibilities?
I mean, "Maybe they're just friends but MAYBE IT'S SOMETHING MORE" is like the #1 theme in romance mangas.