I wouldn't call romances a gimmick with only the backup of being desired by fans. Why is ANYTHING put into a game? Because it's what they think the players will enjoy. If players enjoy romances then of course there will always be the thought of adding them into a game.
Personally, I don't mind them not being there but with that said, for KOTOR the romance between Revan and Carth was what really made it hit that extra level in my book.
Love may have caused Anakin to fall to the dark but for my Revan, it was love that caused her to stay to the light. I think for a game such as this romance is a key element.
But that's just my two cents
