I would wager men like female leads with romantic leads because it still makes men the focal point of the story in a weird way? My guess anyway.

I think you are spot-on, actually.

I don’t want to stereotype guys, either, there’s a LOT of support for heroines having their own stories now. 

I’m talking about a very particular mindset that hopefully is sinking into the tar pits. Romance is great, romance stories are great, but their baggage was kind of mucking it all up.