I read it before puberty, so I was more interested in the science and the political theory than in the sexual dynamics.
Heinlein is a better storyteller, and his post socialist brand of libertarianism seemed closer to workable than Any Rand ‘ s myopic objectivism. There was a vast array of political theorizing going on in science fiction - all presented in custom universes designed to make them seem compelling and workable.
I particularly remember a youth oriented Heinlein about a class of young space cadets who were place on an uninhabited (of humans) planet for a few weeks of survival testing. They were allowed one weapon. The hero decided on a knife as he thought a gun would make him overconfident. They were also told “Beware of the Karkers.” Turned out those were small vicious little animals in large quantities. Later when they asked about the Karkers they were told they had NOT been know about in advance, but every planet has Karkers. The trick is figuring out which they are before they kill you. I am not sure if I spelled Karkers correctly or even if that is the exact name. Do you remember this book and it’s title?
I just recently read the original uncut Stranger in a Strange Land. If you only read the cut version, this one is longer and more complicated especially in the realm of religion.