I do find him slightly sympathetic and I don't mind them being friends, I'm just so terrified that they'll go there ship-wise that it made me want to scream. I think also the actor doesn't appeal to me? That always plays a role.

Ha! Of course you don't ship the functional/adore ones!

The way I see it, Damon fell in love with Elena because she's his first friend in... ever. And it kills me that he believes he doesn't even deserve that.

Agreed! I do love that! And if Damon/Elena happen, which I assume they will, even if Stefan/Elena is endgame, I want it to be an outgrowth of them being BFFs. I just think that would be unexpected.