Stories and sagas are driven by three basic things LOVE, DEATH and GOLD.
(or Family, threats and resources to put it in more boring terms)
To take any of these vital elements of story telling out and you have a lesser story. Romance is a huge narrative imperative and any good game will include it (even if it is in its subverted form like in PS:T)
I found enjoyment in the Aribeth de Tylmarande story in NWN and the fact it didn't work out till much later in the series (in a kinda odd way) was a nice ending and a good story.
I think the ROADBLOCK ROMANCES that bioware seemed to put into its later games would have been better if they were more subtle but they are written for the CONSOLE so have a demographic to hit.
I want good stories and blood, sugar, sex and magic seem to be a good starting point for an adventure I can enjoy as more than a very pretty game of chess.