Yeah, and I partly agree with your take on things. Especially when I'm just reading the comics and disregarding the griping on the fanboards.

That's why I'm still reading and hoping for an emotional payoff, if not for a logical one.

My optimism is just not exactly unwavering. I think of how deeply this sucks for me as an Angel fan and there is no prospect for it getting better in that area, so I'm still fearing for Spike to get the same treatment.