Sex is just a temporary act. Sex to me is not the most important thing in a relationship.

I already have lots of relationships with people and none of them are sexual. In a sexual relationship, sex would be primary. But my perspective is out of whack because sex is an unreachable aspiration for me.

Unless the pairing is an agreed upon sex only situation, sex is one of many key factors in an intimate relationship.

That's such a complex question. Depending on the other person and our interactions, sex can sometimes be the most important aspect. By and large it's the sails on the ship, but not the whole boat - so to speak.

A necessary very important part.

A important part not the only one

Meeting Bob changed all that. Yes beforehand sex was the main ingredient. We are sexual beings and as we get older our priorities in life change. Loving and supporting each other comes first now.

Empathy is the most important.

If it were, my 50+ year marriage would have never survived.

For some people, perhaps, but not for me. Intimacy comes in various forms, including sex, but I'd place physical closeness (e.g., cuddling) and emotional intimacy at the top of my list. Granted, my most valued aspects can be part of sex, but they can also stand on their own.

No, it's not the most important thing to me, although I don't know how to gauge any one thing as most important. But I'm a very affectionate person and one of the ways I show my love is through physical intimacy, so it's definitely a barometer for the health of the relationship.

Sexual compatibility is an important factor in a relationship. Not any more or less important than other parts of the relationship.
"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." -Aristotle-

It's important. Good sex will keep a relationship going. A sexless relationship has no hope. It will end eventually.