I agree that if an author doesn't want to include romance, they shouldn't, but I don't agree that romance ruins games.
Most of the time it is so minimal that it can be easily skipped.
A bad game is bad regardless of whether or not it includes romantic interactions.
Romantic relationships are also part of human interactions, like a family relationship, a friend's relationship, an enemy's relationship, etc. And they help form possible plot points, scenes, situations, and much more.
↓ Spoiler Dragon age Origins (I don't know how to put it as a Spoiler).
I love romancing Alistar as an elf in DA, hardening him, making him a king, not being able to be with him, and sacrificing my character in the final fight. It's like legend/myth of the heroine who sacrifices her life not only for people, but also for her loved one.
Obviously, at the end of the day, everyone has their own opinion.