Uh, I could see what you'r getting at. But that's not particularly true, IchiHme has no special feelings that gives it any inherit advantage over IchiRuki. Orihime is just in-love with Ichigo, that's all. It'd be a different story if he reciprocated, but that's not the case. IchiRuki has equal footing because the two have a WELL DEVELOPED friendship, that could lead to romance. No less than Orihime's strong feelings for Ichigo, so either pairing has no advantage over the other regardless.
It has special feeling, but it's one side and only come from orihime.
If he repicorate, it will be canon.
Romance story is 80% done when they feeling get mutual.
I never deny ichiruki development.
I always said that if one of them has just one love arrow, ichiruki will have the biggest chance to become canon by miles.
And yeah they're both equal even without love arrow. But I still give Ichihime advantage for become canon simply because orihime love arrow.
I still stand on my word that there will be no canon pairing. It would be open ending. I could be wrong but who care, I'm not even a big bleach fan.
And no ahk, it has nothing to do with naruto.
That just my observation from reading many manga.