Nightmus

Well, to be frank, I didn't take into consideration that there were 1 month gaps between issues, but you can still write a credible relationship with such constraints. They were printing a 3 issues mini-series anyway, The kiss which startled me in the main storyline was clearly a bait to make readers want to buy the mini-series to find out what the hell has happened (I mistook it for the previous 3 short stories with Sally in main comic series). Still, they could easily make the world of difference with just a couple of small changes. Holding hands and sharing a couple of phrases that nobody else hears would've been enough. The rest of the characters still discuss it in the next couple of panels, so you can explain everything you need to every possible demographic. Moreover, you can direct the story any way you like with Sonic's reaction. Cut the kiss, let Tails voice the wildest assumptions, make Sonic more concerned about the whole thing and there you go - a perfect hook for readers.

Sally shouldn't have shared such passionate kisses with anyone at that point, period. I probably sound like a broken record.   

I agree, Archie has really downplayed their relationship thus far. That's why it's a good opportunity to introduce someone else (as long as no one still want to explore Antoine's affection more seriously). But the opportunity is not an excuse to make Sally act in such a weird way. Unless they want to make her an easily falling in love head over heels character, which in my opinion strongly contradicts even her Archie personality and brings me back to the very beginning.

The writers sought to make easy sensations in StH comics at that time. I'm quite sure the plot was developed around that. We need sensation. How about the unexpected - Sonic punches Sally in the face? How can we make that happen? What's next? Sonic is thought to be KIA, Sally roboticisised, Sally goes wild over some other character but Sonic. A questionable direction made at the expense of real character development.

Ok, now that I've read the mini-series, my "complete stranger" argument goes out of the window with "mr St. John" turning up to be a bit more interesting character. Him being through some stuff together with Sally could make both more interested in one another indeed. However there's yet another awkward out of nowhere kiss. I'd argue that Penders has no respect for source material, which is why this "relationship" is portrayed this way. I could buy it if Geoffrey made a compliment, which made her blush and imply she might have feelings for him. Hell, I can even accept him outright kissing her as that's how far his attitude goes. However Sally should be irritated by such a blunt act, perhaps with mixed feelings as she could've actually enjoyed it on some level. Yet the way she's making the first move and flirting with him, then willingly full on kissing him over a background full of hearts, then kissing him in front of everyone ... Nope, not believable.

He should've been the one to make the move and she should've been somewhat into him - not the other way around. Keeping Sonic on his toes is a good thing - it offsets his self-centered personality. Having other potential love interests is a good thing - it opens up lots of stories to tell. But the thing is - it has to come out natural from character interaction, with respects to their personality. It should've been an attempt to establish a potential love triangle for Sonic to be challenged with. Yet what I've seen there is just a writer, who wanted Sally French-kissing someone other than Sonic.

Oh, I see what you mean. There actually was a standalone 3-part mini series about Sally, which I missed. Gotta read that first.

Makes it all the more awkward when you realize that Geoffrey was sorta Penders' pet character. That's not even getting into the age difference. Sometime after "Endgame" (I forget when), there was an article containing information about the character which revealed Geoffrey was in his 30's by the time he joined the FFs. Compared to Sally's official age, which is 16, this makes their old relationship downright creepy.

Of course, considering his true allegiance, it doesn't surprise me all that much.

Then it only confirms Penders' contempt towards Freedom Fighters and Sally in particular. This is sort of his way of looking at Sally's character. He feels nothing for her and wants to see her treated the way Geoffrey does. Like "Cmon, babe, gimme some sugar and then make me a sammich while real men get things done!" aaaand she's supposed to like it. Bleh!