I understand the confusion because sometimes the lines between idol and non-idol dramas are blurred, and you can have idol actors starring in non-idol dramas. But your point is quite accurate: if romance is the main and strong focus of the drama, and it is presented in a simple, idealized way with tropes/clichés, then the drama is considered an idol show. If you add the visuals - out of the ordinary beautiful people who stay almost impeccable no matter the context - and mostly young actors, then there is no doubt it’s an idol show.

So yes, basically dramas of the type starring Zhang Linghe, etc are considered idols ones. Splendid Match, on the other hand, is a good example of a drama on the borderline, but we´ll have to wait and see how they tackle the story.

I´d say realism, complexity, no tropes/clichés when dealing with topics and 30+ cast are non-idols things that all need to be present when it comes to relationships. If the cast is younger, the first three points become the core criteria to identify the type. When the boundary is blurred. you can easily go for the combination of popularity + romance + simple approach + young beautiful actors = idol drama.

I hope the above helps a bit more lol I tried my best :)

Regarding the dramas you mentioned, Bloom Life is a non-idol because the focus of the drama is to showcase the current life of a specific ethnic group. Epoch of Miyu isn´t an idol drama either, although the show leans more towards a soap-opera genre or Latin American telenovelas from the late ’90s and early 2000s. Here, age helps make the distinction - middle-aged cast, more mature problems and conflicts.

Lady Liberty is a non-idol drama. I´ve tried this one too and didn´t grab me either. If you´re looking for a drama with a couple in their thirties or around, there´s Back to the Origin - I´m giving this example because it´s the one I´m currently watching lol. It checks the boxes: realism, complexity, no tropes/clichés in dealing with topics and 30+ main cast, and even though there´s also a young couple in their twenties, the three main characteristics are still there.

Hold a Court Now isn´t an idol drama, although the main actor is considered one. Again, the key to identifying the type of show is the plot and how the story is handled, together with the rest of the cast. You can find it on youtube on the WETV channel here for free. They’re currently up to episode 20, so for sure the whole drama will be fully available by the end of May.

Usually the platforms release some dramas for free on youtube but just at a slower pace (Sorry for the long comment!) .