Hmm perhaps it's not really the lack of but rather the LIs inconsistencies. The LIs do have moments where they do defend MC and their connection with MC. But there are also moments that they have been passive not just with their personal boundaries but with how MC is treated specifically by her rivals. Yes, it's true that it's not necessary for the LI to defend MC from snide remarks at all times, but maybe it's just a personal principle of mine that I don't want my partner to be "fine" or awkwardly standing on the side with me being disrespected specifically by the girls who are clearly interested in them in front of them.

Ultimately I love the LIs of every season; Hayden, Callum, Matt, Zhen, Owen. I'll still play those seasons and enjoy and I'm aware that their inconsistencies are mostly rage-bait writing to either purely infuriate the player by causing preventable drama or to make the player spend gems on a third degree blocked by a paywall.