I don't suppose RTD tried to introduce romance because the TV movie did though - especially since many people agree that the TV movie is a primer in how not to introduce Doctor Who to a new audience. But I think there is a widespread belief in the TV industry that audiences like romance, and not just that, but UST. Even in shows where a romance makes more sense than between a 900 year-old alien and a teenage human, characters can take an unconscionable time to get to the point (if they ever do) because TPTB seem to think we want the promise of romance but not the actuality.
But even classic Who had very occasionally flirted with the idea of a romance, mostly notably the First Doctor and Cameca (though it covered itself with the idea that the Doctor was unaware of the implications of his actions) and the production team definitely were aware of the possibility between the Doctor and Romana (hence some of the extra scenes in the Christmas blooper reels). I think, mostly, they thought the show didn't need the romance and were aware of all the extraneous issues one inevitably raises. But those were days when the direction was less driven by ideas about marketing.
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But even classic Who had very occasionally flirted with the idea of a romance, mostly notably the First Doctor and Cameca (though it covered itself with the idea that the Doctor was unaware of the implications of his actions) and the production team definitely were aware of the possibility between the Doctor and Romana (hence some of the extra scenes in the Christmas blooper reels). I think, mostly, they thought the show didn't need the romance and were aware of all the extraneous issues one inevitably raises. But those were days when the direction was less driven by ideas about marketing.