Well, I meant specifically in this situation, I think there needs to be vagueness in the depth of affection between the two men to make it a superior work because of evolution of their relationship. The article sets up a feel of breaking apart, betrayal, etc. but there must remain some questioning of connection even after the schism to make it really realistic. And of course, this characteristic of mediocre writing as well, but the feel of conflict between the two roles that each character plays is especially prevalent in "good" writing.

I keep thinking of Star Wars (though hardly the fountain of good writing) for lack of a better example offhand but sort of the fight between Obi-Wan and Vader and the tension between past and present. Ambiguity in their motivation/desire and perhaps also their understanding of it.

Of course, almost all slash is based on ambiguity, subtext. I always thought of it more as allowing yourself to read something one way even if you truly believe it's intended to be seen in another.

And, um, I was really just trying to say that slash could be not shallow, not to make a statement on what is necessarily good literature.