Making my own post because I don't wanna take away from OP's. I do agree that "Manousos should have been a butch lesbian himself because then he could be the actual Raban Carol wants instead of a fake one" is a god tier take, and very romantic, buuut...
I *like* that he is a man because then the focus is on friendship, and I cannot tell you how badly I've wanted a male and female friendship on television that doesn't have an undercurrent of "will they get together." Especially because for *years* I've had to see straight men whine that "men can't just be friends anymore!" whenever people ship M/M. Yet these same guys never argue that men and women can't be friends in television. They always assume it will end in a sexual relationship.
Back to the Raban thing, though.
I *do* think he's her Raban. "Proud, haughty Raban." Just not one she is sexually attracted to. Because sometimes someone can be your soul mate without being your romantic partner. Sometimes your friends give you something your partner can't. Which is healthy! Because no one should put all their eggs in one basket. I think once the cul de sac fills up with the other immune, Carol will feel more whole. She'll get there kicking and screaming, but she'll feel more whole.
