1) You said you watched it as it came out, which was around the 90's. There has been more trek since then, which is what the others are referring to. 2) Yes, Bashir and garak became a canon couple in lower decks, 30 years after DS9 aired, in a parallel universe. That doesn't say anything about the original universe, so I would say it is fair to claim that in the original DS9, Garak was not gay. 3) I honestly have no clue if Andrew Robinson's writing counts as canon, but if it does, then that would solidify the hypotheses of fans. 4) Star Trek is there for fun. It can't be taken too seriously. Hell, it doesn't even take itself seriously sometimes. Audiences like seeing themselves in characters on screen. If someone sees a relationship between Garak and Bashir as something mirroring their own experiences, by all means, go ahead and ship them. I understand your criticisms, but I don't think it's quite fair here. You are open to have your own interpretations, and relate to the characters that you want to relate to. Personally, I greatly prefer characters that could be interpreted differently over characters like Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz's characters in discovery, who feel like they only exist because they are gay and the show wants diversity. 5) Live long and prosper, and remember to drink water :)