And I doubt that Joss sees it as "going back." However, I'm also not sure that someone is always aware of their own patterns.

I think Joss is telling a story that entertains him. Mileage does vary as to whether it suits everyone, and I don't think he's particularly concerned with pacifying ( much less satisfying) Spike or Spuffy fans. It's not that I think he's dissing us. I just don't think he's that into us... or Spike (Or Angel either for that matter).

But then, I'm quite the Jossian Agnostic. :)