See, I didn't think of him that way. I never saw him as being portrayed as the perfect love interest. If I recall, from the start, Korra remarks how much of a jerk he is, and only finds herself liking him when he shows genuine emotion for BoLin. In saying this, I'm not saying he's a perfect guy - he's actually barely a good guy - and if I had to pair Korra off with a firebender, I would have picked Iroh, but as I said below, I think when Asami was able to forgive him for being a complete douche, I was, too. I do also believe that the whole relationship was rushed and a little unreal, but... it was a short season. I dunno.

I don't want to come off as someone who thinks the series is perfect, but I don't think it's as horrible as it is portrayed.