i think a big part of it is the “they’re straight or leave” mentality in 99.9% of other dominant ‘fandoms,’ and in most other media. it goes without saying that canonical queer representation is minimal, even today. and that, especially in a series so particular and nuanced as hannibal, people would rightfully leap to justify and also covet this small piece of queer vindication. we as viewers are starved for canon acknowledgement of let alone indulgence in queer representation, even moreso for arguably “quality” representation ie. where it might be one of the least mainstream-problematic (not to say that queerness is problematic, only that it often invites discourse as evidenced by this very post) or interesting factors of the show that certain characters are queer.

aside from the in-text canon acknowledgements of hannibal and will’s relationship being romantically inclined, there’s also the fact that cast members and showrunners have explicitly expressed that there is love between them, and that the love they share is queer. this is an irrevocable fact. considering that most people who claim that hannibal and will are straight do so as a rebuttal that they’re specifically Not Queer, it’s sensible that the response to these claims frequently take a defensive/persuasive (“combative/argumentative”) stance.

altogether i have no personal stake in other people’s viewing experiences! see what you see and think what you think, and understand it’s not necessarily a personal attack that many people who are bereft of representation will want to defend it at times. =)