I do like series where there are male characters, competent male characters, alongside the MC because they provide a different dynamic to female characters. Female characters often have a romantic dynamic. That isn't necessarily bad, but it's not always the dynamic you want when the story is about punching things really hard.I'm noticing a trend where the that-one-dude-that's-not-part-of-the-MC's-harem character tends to be the favorite character. I think it has something to do with that fact that he's not with the MC for any romantic reasons, unlike the harem.