The "intertwined hands can only be romantic and are the highest form of romantic expression" argument is so terrible because A: it could be romantic or it could be with the ghost of your dead grandmother and B: Even when it is romantic, it's baby's first romantic step. Koibito Tsunagi is almost shorthand for 'Completely inexperienced and naïve" for how it gets used in fiction.
Many years ago, on this very forum I think, Cali IIRC tried to argue they were 'tender' in the sense of being 'painful' memories.
Anyways, the Cleriths are not okay. We are seeing the full on return of the Pinkers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FinalFantasyVII/comments/1fpjb42
Also, no need to intervene, but please enjoy this reddit thread where someone brings up the very early materials where The Cetra is labeled Tifa, I discuss how Aerith was apparently mostly Tifa at one point, and a Clerith quietly fumes about it. I know she wants to say much more but can't for fear of looking even more unhinged.