You jumped from "neutered and almost sexless" to romance which is something different, especially when considering kids potentially watching movie (sex gives you higher rating). And no, sexual attraction was not motivator majority of the time, definitely not as a child.

Speaking of romance, I dont need romance in the movies. Not every movie needs it. Most relationships in real life are not romantic, most cooperating groups of people dont actually have couple in them. Repetitive same-stupid-hero-falls-in-love with girl that is there to be fallen in love with plus some excuse is worst then no romance.