I noticed that the DC to notice if an NPC is interested in a relationship is equal to their romance score. That would mean that the minimum DC would be 32 for Koya. I find this to be a nearly impossible DC to make except for characters who would max out Sense Motive and have it as a class skill, and even with a high Wisdom there would still likely only be a 5-10% shot at about level 5.
Has anyone done something to make this a little bit easier for the PCs to get a romance that are really interested?
The DCs are that high because it's expected that feeling will develop over time, and as PCs level they can read the NPCs better.
Well, the characters will be level 16 by the end of the AP. For anyone that doesn't invest a lot into Sense Motive (even moreso without having it as a class skill), forming the relationship seems highly unlikely if not impossible. I understand how it works but it seems to be a bit too hard, and even if the characters succeed it seems like they wouldn't be able to enjoy it for as long as they would like.
I also believe JJ answered these same questions before in the ask James Jacobs thread or in various Jade Regent threads.
Yes, there are some other threads around that JJ commented in to answer your questions. He suggested some ways around that high DC roll.
Also, it is always possible that one of the PC's friends notices (i.e. makes the Sense Motive check) for them and gives them the hint.
"So, what's going on with you and Ameiko? What? Don't tell me you haven't noticed the way she has been looking at you!"
