So why didn't the writers do the whole romance subplot between Ash and Dawn in DP? Many believe the reason May didn't have a crush on Ash is because she came directly after Misty, and the writers didn't want to upset all the butt-hurt Pokeshippers out there.

But Dawn was introduced 10 years into the anime, and at that point new younger kids were watching the show. So why did Ash/Dawn not have a subplot?