Being a good friend and a sweet person is hot
I actually find this combination very attractive. I'd be a liar if I said I don't count looks at all. I am only human after all. But Pete's character was very sweet. He is good-looking too, but the sweetness, and how he clearly valued Rosalee and cared for her made him all the more attractive.
I'm not slating Tad - as someone has said, he wasn't too bad in this film, not a rotten guy at all.
Pete's sadness when he saw Rosalee falling for Tad came across in such a real way - my heart went out for him. And that stole my heart in this film. The pain on his face when he saw them kissing at the table - aaaw bless him!
All of this counts for more to me that rippling muscles and personal wealth. I know it's a film and not a real-life event, but I fell in love with this film. And with Topher Grace ;-)