The society five years ago is very, very different comparing to today.
I don't think average audience has been exposed to sensitive topics, particularly homosexuality (CLAMP put a little bit of those in their works) back then, and certainly not romance between kids (probably fear of parents suing the company for showing kids stuff about datings, love letter, etc...)
Before I watched CCS, I watched CC, too... I always thought Tomoyo is just Sakura's lackey/ friend, but when watching the Japanese series... Wow... I never realized... you are lesbian, just like your mother who has this undying affection for Nadeshiko... (CLAMP even drew picture of Tomoyo holding Sakura's chin to kiss her)
Many of you have also talked about Meilin comes crying to Tomoyo being edited out, another romance involved scene ( but that is the time I begin to like Meilin...)
Another thing is, I think it is likely that Western cultures are focusing more on things like gaining of powers and strengths and victories in battle (Screw You, World War I & II !!! You two ruined humanity!!!)
My point in saying that? When you guys watched CC, did you also feel that the series seem to just revolve around catching cards and being the spectators of competitions between the two sorcerors? Also... they edited the episode w/ the teddy bear exhibit where instead of Sakura telling Li that him calling her by her first name for the first time gave her the boost to call out a card to save herself, it was his mom calling him to stay in Japan as a prove that Syaoran is still "worthy".
Conclusion: as much as Nelvana is conscious about the possible offensive issues that might disturb those who are under much influence of Western cultures, the company should still show these issues the way CLAMP intended...
A. Kids know about love and romance. For goodness sake, they've watched Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin, haven't they? Disney even put in kissing scenes while CLAMP never put one in for any of their couples (Except Sorata and Arashi)... Irony, huh...
B. CLAMP, through romance, wants to show its audience the good that comes out of a world where people are committed and truly concerned about each other, and, most importantly, what it meant to love a person, that even if it is painful, even if it may never have a result, you would still be wililng to do anything for that person because it would be MORE painful to see them suffer as they become a part of you... Syaoran loves Sakura, but he is willing to just quietly stand by her side because he does not want her to cry again after that rejection from Yukito. Tomoyo loves Sakura, but she knows Sakura loves Li instead, but she is still willing to be by Sakura's side whenever possible. Meilin loves Syaoran, but after knowing that Syaoran loves Sakura, she never hated Sakura for it. She just hates herself for unable to be mad at anyone but herself and gives herself a good cry, and then do anything she can to make Syaoran gets the happy ending he wants by giving him every opportunity to tell Sakura about his feelings...
In truth, while I watched CC for the sake of entertainment, I actually learned a lot from the character's selfless love when watching CCS, which helped me learn to become a better person.
Good god, I write so much, who'd read it? Honestly, though, maybe if people in America watched CLAMP works, there might not be so many pointless blind dates, speedy marriages, and secret affairs going on.
