Ha ha, I did not realize. I think I only used that super move once for the very reason that you had to pet Eevee to activate it, ha ha.
I mean, I do not know what the player base's feelings are concerning Aimie. In real life, I am a stealth Pokemon fan, and I have never really been on a Pokemon specific forum long enough to see that conversation, but I appreciate that they tried to add in that element, just so you can have an additional experience that helps to strengthen the trainer bond and make the Pokemon less one dimensional.
That said, I only wanted it to get to Tamagachi level, and if it starts to intrude into the game, I think they messed up. I personally think they have a sweet spot, where having the bond is incentivized but you do not HAVE to be actively doing it.
In reflecting, I think it comes down to a fundamental difference in personality. I have always enjoyed games like The Sims, Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, etc. because I find caring for things to be fun. I think a lot of people experience that more as chore or obligation, and that is not saying anything negative (I think I'm the weird one lol), but I think when you add those things into entertainment, people are bewildered if not aghast.
I would personally like to see more personality infused into individual Pokemon, maybe random wants or desires that if you fulfill in-game develops your bond. It would be nice to see bonding turned into an activity, rather than a passive process that just occurs because you used them more than the other ones sitting in your box. Reinforce the partner aspect.