Omo (re-)introduces idols for us thus:

The truth is, I am steadily descending that slippery slope into iM@S fandom, and while the ride is enjoyable, I see too much stuff that I’m not entirely comfortable with, producer shipping notwithstanding. Maybe to some extent idol fan culture is always a little toxic. Talking with the AKB-whatever fans I know, at least, that’s a bit of what comes across. That truth gets shared and strengthened by also whatever idol fan culture that is over here in the US.

But just like chemical addictive in an artificially flavored and preserved treat, idols and idol fandom is robust and often fits your fancy, just how you like it. The toxicity is not without benefit. I think Japanese-style idol fandom likes projecting and shipping, which coincidentally goes with the whole “no dating” strategy that industry employs. There are some advantages, especially when the idols themselves can’t do anything, as in the case of animated cartoon characters from video games. The fans can move and groove the idols themselves.

I guess I am not enough of AKB-whatever fan to be offended, and heck, look at what J.P. tweets whenever I broach the subject. Fortunately, the anime was quite wholesome, and the rest I just ignore happily.

Since iM@S does not have actual idols (except seiyuu), it is even further removed from the casting coach. My own view is still the same: they are all tainted and not a good material, except possibly for Haruka and very maybe Yayoi.

Coincidentially, one of AKB0048 understudies has a boyfriend (although since she had to move to a different planet to attend, they are in a perforce long-distance relationship). And then of course Sae and Naota. That anime was really casual and matter-of-fact about all that.

Oh and by the way, notice how the little attempt to add spice to the sterile world of Idolm@ster, the DS girls, was given a cold shoulder in the anime? But redundant Hibiki and Takane are on equal footing?

Finally, there's no rotation in iM@S. Just like Bart Simpson never has to graduate from the 8th grade, nobody is being "graduated" from 765PRO, ever.

All in all, Omo definitely started with a diet version of idols. And you know what, diet drinks and Gatorade poison me. No allergy rash, but plain poisoning with vomiting. Talk about toxicity.