I think you gotta realize what time period this show aired in. It first ran in 1976 and ran until 1984. You know what the 70s was like in terms of sex, right? The attitudes were much different back then. It was more open, more free, and much less taboo. This link to a Richard Dawson fan page describes what he did as a common practice of the times.

That notwithstanding, I've heard that his penchant for kissing all the female contestants did in fact raise the ire of many fans--but the one page I've found that gave any specifics pointed out that he got the worst flack over kissing black contestants.

Personally, I'm slightly bothered by him too when I watch old reruns of the Feud, but not enough to not watch, I guess. Not that I watch them all that often anyway, since it's not exactly my favorite show on TV or anything.

Of course, I love Richard Dawson ever since he was in The Running Man. It's amazing how differently I look at him now after seeing him in that after only ever seeing him on the Feud or Hogan's Heroes.

-- Dave