I think if it were more clear that they were interested in aiming the game at female audiences, there would be a different vibe coming from the male characters (and likely the female characters)

Sexualized males represented in dating sims aimed at females would be a better example of a counter-argument, than trying to twist the male characters of a game into an argument about the sexualization of female characters from a game obviously aimed at males

Edit: In fact, I think that's part of my problem with this. Just more proof that the male gamer means more to developers in general, and they see no reason to be more progressive. While I, for one, prefer more progressive minded games with higher thought process than just jumping on every opportunity to create fantasies derived from primitive urges. I think if you get to that point, then your writing capabilities are probably better than average. And there's a higher chance I'll enjoy your stories AND characters. But if you're just making a dude-bro roadtrip male power fantasy. Then (at least so far), there's not a good argument for really compelling and thought-provoking characters and story. They're just not representing themselves very well is all