But he has already done that, hasn't he? Considering all those who are creaming in their pants for the precise reason that Ianto (the gay character!) is dead.

RTD has de-gayed the show with the elimination of the Jack/Ianto relationship. No matter what he says, that's exactly what he has done.

What's even worse is that he has possibly condemned Jack to the role of the 'dirty old man' lusting after pretty young boys coming the chance of a Ianto replacement.