I know personally with me romance is very important to me as well as the love I feel with my partner, if I didn't feel something emotional to the person I was with...if I knew it didn't have a chance of going somewhere I wouldn't let the person become more than a friend. I agree its all about trust and communication in the end. For me being a romantic, I personally need the romance if I am to submit all I am to someone, I understand not everyone needs that to show the world their submission to the one they show all of themselves too. Every person and relationship is different...so it is different for everyone.
I think people need to find out what is best for them and what type of relationship is right for them...if they feel what they are in is right at the time than it is.The hardest thing I find is a partner right for me since I know that I desire so much to complete me...perhaps some are dreams...what I fantasize my partner being while it may be more...but who knows what may happen in time?