What? I'm surprised Hakamada is so unpopular. I like him. His personality is really cute, and I feel like he makes the whole group pop in a way it definitely wouldn't without him. Also, my feelings towards him improved greatly after reading that spoiler about him in the series comments.
Apparently he isn't a love rival. He tries to help the main couple get together, in fact, which is super adorable imo. I'm really excited to watch his friendship with the female lead develop!