On Tue, 2 Mar 1999, Larry F wrote:

    It's really rather simple.  Although it was obvious that Takahashi-san
intended for Konatsu to be there for Ukyo, and for Ryoga and Akari to be
together, not very many people over here know about them.

There's also the fact that people might not like one-note characters who are
introduced mainly in order to pair off other characters.

Also, here's something to consider.  Tsubasa appeared early--early enough that
most Viz-only fans have heard of him.  Like Konatsu, he's a crossdresser who's
in love with Ukyou.  Though Takahashi didn't keep him around, he too is
almost as obvious a choice as Konatsu for pairing off with Ukyou--yet you see
few Tsubasa/Ukyou pairings.

It is also made clear that she wouldn't forgive him if
she found out he was P-chan, and that she simply considers him a friend who
is sweet to her.

Akane forgives everyone (except Ranma), even people who she probably shouldn't.
You can kidnap her and she'll forgive you.

That is why, for instance, the
popular myth of Akane's Transdimensional Hammer shows up so much.  Other
authors in this list have documented the number of times she has actually
hit Ranma, and she mostly grabs whatever may be to hand at the time.  The
number of times she's used a mallet is rather small.

On the other hand, Akane uses it more than anyone else.