I agree!
In GS Cagalli was a strong independent female who despite being a princess CHOSE to fight and put her life on the line time after time! Now in GSD She did a complete turn around. I always loves Cagalli and though her to be the most well developed character in GS, but her actions in GSD continue to baffle me!

In any case its true in a male based anime there is always the female love interest who is just there!

As for female based animes well there are only a few I can take seriously. Some of them are just excuses as stated before for brief sneak peeks at panties or what ever else! I mean come on is it really necessary for the main character to be fighting in a mini skirt that in witch theres really no point of even wearing! To be fighting a bunch of other females that are just as bad!

Thats why I liked Cagalli she wasnt like that! She had something to say and didnt resort to the natural girly standards, but thats just going down hill now!