definitely no "romance subplot"
I'm talking about Spock and Uhura.
It was just a tiny part of the story. What was the problem? It had to be in there cause they're dating and
SPOILERS
it added to the whole Spock why don't you care about your life? I care too much about everyone I love, care too much about my crew which is why I'm willing to sacrifice myself, etc. Y'know, the whole theme of the movie.