It's not so much that it's manufactured, but that it has become so over commercialized. In the restaurant industry, it is the king of all hell-nights. People expect/demand everything to be perfect, completely disregarding the fact that ANY reputable establishment is over-booked, understaffed and crammed full of extra tables. Where I work, we toss all the 4-tops into the alley for the night, and rent smaller tables just to pack them in even more. Why? $$$$$$$$$. THat is all.
A day to celebrate love is a grand idea, but people shouldn't feel pressured to say it with jewellry and upscale dinners. What's wrong with a chocolate ****, or a bathtub full of jello?