They are not quite liked on this forum, but I do think they have a lot of fans especially in Aus. Both were nominated for most popular actor/actress at the Logies and Esther was even nominated for gold. This shows that a lot of people like them, and thats the reason why they are promoted as the golden couple. But it is really weird to me, I don't like those two either - not even as single characters...
I agree, they're without doubt very popular with quite a lot core viewers...but they do nothing for the show as a couple or as characters, imo.
I think they're just Jack/Martha reloaded - and those two seemed to have both their lovers and haters in equal large measures too.