i truly appreciate this thread and i must say i have Not heard "i love you" in any way shape or form for a very, very, very, very long time.
i'm extremely sensitive and tenderhearted, yet also a realist, so if i should hear "i love you," i take it into perspective. my reply has been in the past "i love you too..." but by mere fantasy of ego that someone is actually feeling for me.
being the slightly jaded individual i am... my reply now would be "okay, i care about you..."
nothing more, nothing less.
are there strings attached to saying "i love you??" perhaps consequences, yes.
hope this helps.