SAO would be 10x better if it has 0 romance. The creators obviously are unable to do realistic romance. Or even semi-realistic romance for that reason. The whole Kirito x Sugu thing is so unnecessary and contributes nothing to the plot.
Also Sugu is a dumbass. Did she seriously try to kill herself in a video game and have it mean something? My god Sugu/Leafa is a horrid character. This anime went off the cliff by episode 10 or 12 or whichever episode it was where