TIL that platonic and romantic routes give different affinity points
If you choose not to romance Ann, Takemi, and Kawakami, you will have to spend an additional time slot on each of them just to rank up, even if you pick the perfect dialogue options. Their Rank 10s depend on the points you can only get in the romance sections of their dialogues and there is no way to bypass that. Your only alternative is to use one of Chihaya's affinity readings, which is only available in the second half of the game, so if you want to rank them up before late July -- you are boned.
I am totally fine with exclusive romance-only dates or room decorations. That kind of content actually adds replay value to the game. But actively punishing players mechanically for choosing to stay platonic or loyal to one character is ridiculous. I'd even be fine with spending money on a gift at the end of Rank 9, but nope, gifts are only for hangouts.
Being a hoe shouldn't be optimal. Seriously, ATLUS, why?