I have to agree, I see a connection between Hermione and Ron growing. I cannot wait to see comes up in the next book between the two of them. But I think it was a good twist that she and Krum got to know one another. I think it made it easier for Ron to hate him so.
You are SO right. It did mae it easier for Ron to hate Krum since Hermione went to the ball with him. But I think it made it easier because he realized that he didn't like seeing Hermione with another guy, and he finaly realized how much he liked her. I think they're going to end up together.