I agree. When I am diving into BL and male male romances, I am looking for a core romance with the packaging of the subgenre (Horror, contemporary, Rom Com, Fantasy, Sci-fi, etc.).
Granted, in all transparency, I am a heterosexual housewife - but I find that I really enjoy the character development I find in BL/MM more so than the typical Paranormal Romance or Fantasy Romance.
A personal favorite is Captive Prince Trilogy by CS Pacat. Granted, my pet-peeve is the highly femme-male hooked up with super jock male combo. It just feels like hallmark movies plotline (and though I respect this is a preference and Hallmark movies aren't terrible) it's too predictable to me. I like more tension between the love interest no matter which way they swing.
As of right now, I am trying my hand at writing a Dark Fantasy BL/MM Romance called Prince's Priest ( https://tapas.io/series/Princes-Priest ). Both my male love interests I've painted as highly masculine and I am breaking or twisting any trope I can. Granted, I write in a fantasy contemporary style and don't follow the Romance even pace that si expected. So far, before placing it here, I've had a few trusted friends read it. Nothing like my queer friend texting me hot chili peppers in the middle of the night and asking how much gay porn did I watch to get the climax of the story just right, but I like to think I made a story for everyone to enjoy.
Ah, now I'm rambling!
But yes - CORE ROMANCE, the dress it up in any genre of your choosing or forte. In the end, tell us a great story with some strong writing.