On Love Triangles - A well-executed Love Triangle (i.e. one where there's real doubt as to who will end up with who) is a
beautiful thing (check out
True Tears for an example of this). But a Love Triangle where the final pairing seems nothing less than predestined is a
tiresome thing (check out
Aquarion EVOL for examples of this
).
I'll take a simple straight-up romance over a weak Love Triangle. If, for example, Mayaka has absolutely no chance with Houtarou, I'd rather her
not be shown to be interested in him. And for it to be just straight-up Houtarou/Eru romance.
Now, if they can make me think that Mayaka has a real chance with Houtarou, then go for it. Otherwise, don't bother.