But the toe the line there so very, VERY badly in SuperMann! They got so very close to consummating that I think I groan when I watch that scene these days.

I think the only stories where there isn't a redeeming romantic moment are from the AAArrgch! I despise parts of Virtually Destroyed for the exact same reason as you do SuperMann. My husband does computer science/works on databases and that one has had the most cringe-worthy stuff on the stereotypical computer guy.

CLARK: No. I'm just worried I'm a jinx.
JONATHAN: A jinx?
CLARK: Yeah. Let's face it, ever since she's known me, Lois's been kidnapped, frozen, pushed off buildings, almost stabbed, poisoned, buried alive and who knows what else, and it's all because of me.
-"Contact" (You're not her jinx, you're her blessing.)