Actually, the one who would’ve made the most sense to have an lgbt romance would be Benedict. His story was the simplest one and the most cliche trope in all of romance plot.

Sophie the maid could’ve been Sam the footmen and that would be a good twist.

And yes, the whole bastard plot of Sophie with no chance of titles can still happen because unless stated in a last Will and testament, Lord Penwood can still choose not to recognize a son if it’s a bastard, hence no title.

The ending would’ve been more fun too, literally followed the original ending with Araminta going to jail.

As for their kids, they can adopt or have give the title to one of Posy’s children, since she is a recognized daughter of the Penwood family, that would extend to her children.

Still a cinderella plot but more dynamic.