1. In latest massive Naruto-poll in Japan with more then 498 000 votes, Naruto ended first once again as most popular character.
2. The 'gay-jokes' are trollers or lame haters (just ignore them), you also find them with other manga's... ofc not to be taken seriously. Naruto is obviously no homo, he is hetero, in fact he is together with Lee the only rookie who actually showed numerous times interest in girls wich is healty, Lol. Naruto and Sasuke is just about bonds, friendship and brothership. Naruto is a very loyal and good friend, props and respect for that!
3. @Cosman, The Kage Summit Arc was not 'little pathetic'... Don't forget Naruto is only 16! He is just a kid still. So it was normal things became hard to carry... everyone was already relying on him too much... And a good hero is not a perfect hero (wich is boring), so Naruto as hero is good because he is believable and human!