2. It Makes His Non-Romantic Relationships More Genuine
The fact that they're honest about the romanticism of the Companion-Doctor relationship in the new show makes those relationships deeper. The possibilities or romance can be addressed and, most of the time, safely dismissed. Donna and Amy both loved the Doctor as their best friend, but first the limits of both relationships had to be established. Once all possibilities of romance had been talked over and thrown out the window, the Doctor-Companion bonds were given a chance to deepen. The entire bond between the Doctor and Martha was about how genuine they were willing to be with each other. Martha wanted it all, but the Doctor had a set point he didn't want to go past. You can like the relationships or not (I personally hate the Doctor and Martha, but that's just my preference and Martha's two tones of voice) but they are all genuine to the Doctor, and to his companions. And they make the show feel more honest, which is what you want out of any sort of art.