Era of the companion aside though, I think it's important that the show stays away from love stories. They never work for me. Rose and Mickey, Rose and the Doctor, Martha and the Doctor, Amy and Rory. It makes the show too 'soapy'. Especially when it involves the Doctor, unrequited or not. I thought having a married couple in the TARDIS would be interesting, and it worked at times, but for the most part I think the domestic issues got in the way of the adventures. I don't want to be distracted by silly love stories and personal dramas. I've got Hollyoaks for that. I want good old adventures in space.
I am with you on this. I don't like love stories. They complicate things and take the focus off the adventures. The best pairing we have had since the show returned is Donna and the Doctor because it was all about the adventure and wasn't bogged down with personal feelings.