Quote Originally Posted by Noblejanobii View Post
And while that's all true what I don't like is when people discredit animes that have fanservice. Highschool of the dead, for example, had an awesome plot had it not had so much fanservice I think it would have been a reputable anime that would have grossed a lot of money because when it came out america was in that hype zone that you through zombies in it and it is instantly sold out. However, there are some animes, like Free!, where it is somewhat unavoidable (I mean they're swimming in competitions meaning no shirts) so producers do try to make the best of it. Plus some animes try to appeal more to their target audiences. Free!'s target audience is obviously girls so adding six packs everywhere is definintely appealing (I would know). And with HOTD, the target audience was mainly guys, and in the words of one of my favorite anime reviewers, "Guys have ****s, and ****s like these. So let's slap tits everywhere and wait for our big pile of money!"
Really, though, how many people watch porn for the plot? Same thing. Anything with excessive fan service has its writing dictated by getting people naked. It could have the best writing and characterization in the world but it won't detract from the fact that its still porn. It won't do anything to advance the legitimacy of animation or anime as a medium in the eyes of the public.

I think you have it backwards with Free! The show was made to show mostly naked men--swimming is just the excuse.