Richie's buzzkill boyfriend could totally be interpreted as a stand-in for the critics of the show in this episode.

On the point of Kevin telling Patrick he loved him—I think it was just another shitty manipulative ploy from him. I don't believe that Kevin really loved Patrick, or would have changed for him despite what he believes. I just think he is hurt and is speaking to Patrick in a way that's incredibly defensive. He wants to…