As much as I loved Phoebe and liked Joey, they would have made a terrible couple. Phoebe was better off with Mike. Joey was hilarious and he cared about all of his friends but he was also very immature. It would have been just as bad when Joey and Rachel dated.

I'd have maybe liked them as a temporary pairing, but not endgame. 3 pairings from 6 friends would have been too cliche, and tbh I can't imagine Joey settling down.

I was actually sort of dreading they would end up together! I don't really have anything against the specific characters as a couple, but because the other four of the group had paired up it would've felt a bit cliche and forced. I think Joey and Phoebe have a really strong platonic relationship too, so I think it's cool that they stay that way.