And also because one of my first thoughts on the reveal that Buffy was robbing banks was that it really impacted how I see Spuffy.

Really? How? (And I don't mean that in a snarky way. That's the first time I've ever heard anyone say that, and I'm genuinely curious.)

If I'm Joss and I want to walk away from Spike, I wrap him up in an offhand bubble in the first issue -- the way Robin got written off. Joss didn't do that.

I get that, but I'm seeing it from a much more cynical perspective - it wasn't even important enough to get an offhand bubble wrap-up. I'm not as inclined as some to think that Joss actively dislikes Spike and that's why he's being ignored, but considering the way the comic's been (mis)managed, I certainly wouldn't put it past him to forget something important like Buffy's feelings for Spike (or like, say, that Warren was dead).