it’s not that it's just really mid and not a particularly satisfying story, especially feeling really rushed at the end
Nah, let's not pretend that smut isn't one of the biggest drivers for gaining readers in BL. There have been lots of subpar stories that still obtain high ratings and readership because of the presence of sex scenes. Some people even confess sticking around despite the plot being all over the place just for the smut. On the other hand, good mangas like this are left to collect dust because they lack the plap plap plap factor.
Anyway, the second part of my comment is referencing that comment above.
Looking at their other comments, I don't think they low rate something just because something doesn't have smut, they gave other shounen ai 5/5. i think they were just pointing out this is a shounen ai with no smut because this is tagged as a yaoi.
Isn't that a telling sign why the low rating? It was tagged as yaoi despite the lack of smut. I do think that influenced their rating in some way.
when it comes to bl that isn't smut centered, especially in mangas, since most of them are not long running series so it is less visible to readers. To get a feel if it's a good read, go through the comments section and weigh the opinion of the people.
Also, rating the story low for not having intense smut is just . I understand some readers like things with smutty scenes but to base your ratings largely on that? You need to re evaluate your criteria.
Anyway, this story is pretty wholesome and cute! Definitely worth reading if you want something light and fluffy after a stressful day.