I think the name says everything

1. The first simple reason is because I like their personalities together more. They’re both smart, kind, and brave in their own ways, and I think Dustin’s charm/warmth would balance well with Jane’s intensity and vulnerability. Part of the reason why Mike and El don’t work is because the way Mike is written makes him seem like he’s not attracted to El. Mike is queer coded, Dustin is not. His attraction to Jane would seem more genuine. Dustin is also pretty egoistical, meaning he’s not codependent the same way Mike is. He would be infatuated by Jane’s powers, yes, but from a scientific standpoint. He views them as equals, like a brains & brawn type deal, and doesn’t need to be needed. To put it more simply: Mike sees himself as Lois Lane, Dustin sees himself as Batman.

2. It would’ve added more depth to Dustin, Mike, and Jane’s characters. With Jane not being so worried about Mike, she could learn to be more independent. As of right now, it doesn’t look so good for either Byler or Mileven endgame. Using a woman to prop up a relationship between two men?? BAD! Queerbaiting with Byler?? BAD!! This way, Byler buildup doesn’t cause as much problems. Instead of starting season 3 with Mileven being together, it would’ve started with Dustin and Mike both pining for Jane. Dustin having genuine romantic feelings for Jane, and Mike having comphet (ik it’s controversial to use that term for men I just couldn’t think of a better term. I’m a lesbian, don’t start..). Dustin could touch up more on his insecurities he mentions to Steve, so part of his plot line in s3 being winning a girl would be kinda awesome. Not to mention how cool it would’ve been to have a physically disabled love interest in a mainstream TV show??

3. Relationship development. I mean, Wheeler sibling content? Score. Madwheeler? Score. Wheelclair? Score. Mike and the older teens???? SCORE! Not to mention finally getting to develop Will and Dustin’s relationship? I mean, the whole dart thing, he was the last person to talk to him before he went missing, they both like DnD an abnormal amount? The concept of Will opening up to Dustin about the way Mike and Lucas treated him over the summer and maybe coming out to him is just ugh so good. ALSO, Eddie is arguably pretty queer coded, so having an openly gay or bi dude Mike would confide in would’ve been so cool! Mike, according to Finn, is trying to be as normal as possible, so I think his relationship with the town freak should’ve been explored more. Yk who else was the town freak? Erm, Mr. William Byers. I think a chat with Eddie would’ve woken him up a lil.. ALSO the Lumax and Byler parallels? Both Mike and Max are pulling away while Lucas and Will are reaching in. COME ONNNNNN.