I think in the case of Hannibal, you are right. Mizumono and the cliff scene had incredible emotional payoff. Just fantastic storytelling.

I was probably being argumentative for the sake of it here, so I apologise, and your comments have shown me that we're largely thinking along the same lines. Your last paragraph resonated with me - I find it hard to call out any one show for queer baiting, especially when they're otherwise great shows, but it's the broader trend of media up until the last few years that, when you look back on it, was not great.

Thanks for the detailed response, I really appreciate it

I think that queer baiting is frustrating to see because this kind of "leave it up to the viewer" thing only seems to happen with same sex relationships. If we saw a similar trend with opposite sex relationships, I'd get it, but as far as I can see, it's not the case. If you have any examples of hetero relationships as a counterpoint, then fair enough.

Queer baiting won't ruin a show for me on its own and I don't need to see characters have sex on screen to confirm the relationship, but it's a trend that has been long outgrown and the current talking point of "intimate male friendship is misunderstood by fujoshis" is being applied with broad strokes wherever the phrase queer baiting is mentioned, regardless of merit. I'm just tired of the lack of nuance from both sides.

I can love Hannibal as a show and still wish that we got that kiss scene.