You're gonna be bothered by how cool I am.

Nah, Ron's not diminishing to make room for Hermione. He might be for Neville, Ginny and Luna though (especially Ginny ;) If it represents their choice model "As Harry grows up he must decide between being light-hearted and fun loving or a dedicated academic who dedicates himself to his work as is symbolized by a choice between his two best friends" quite frankly, that is the day I disavow the books. JKR has stated somewhere that she has gotten into the habit of using Hermione as an expository device, so it could be more the result of needing to explain than wanting Hermione closer to Harry. Besides, Harry will have his proza- er, Quidditch- again in book six, and that cuts Hermione out in favor of Ginny (mmm... chocolate and libraries) and RON.