I really don't see them caring all that much about the slash--it's only a small part of their audience. I think it was just a really sloppy way of giving Danny a reason to leave the island and have everyone thinking the team might break up for good. But in doing so, they really butchered his characterization--like you said, it really didn't seem like Danny thought twice about ditching his team, and Steve especially. After putting so much emphasis on it all season long. It's really bizarre.