I think love seems like a pre-requisite because of the massive time investment required to become good, but I know really good software engineers who couldn't c

I think love seems like a pre-requisite because of the massive time investment required to become good, but I know really good software engineers who couldn't care less about computers. They just realized they could triple their salary working at companies like Google and so buckled down and learned the skills they needed to get those jobs and then climb the ladder. Most people don't have that kind of discipline and drive, so interest is a good supplement, but I don't think you actually need it.