Why does Peter say that he could never do what Otto did? Because I'm pretty sure that he's (along with a significant number of male superheroes) refused to pursue a relationship with people "for their own good" before. This isn't a new idea or anything, it's sort of tedious when superheroes decide that unilaterally isolating themselves from everyone is a good way to keep people safe.

This book does a good job of lowering expectations. Sure, this "for your own good" business is played out and sort of paternalistic, but at least MJ's not getting raped!