One of the first things we’re being told about Buffy/Angel is that there’s a large gap between what Buffy sees in Angel (a mysterious protective figure) and what Angel is (a seducer who has said he’s too afraid to fight and who isn’t nearly as strong as Buffy).

See, that's why I like you doing these. I would have said it was just bad writing. Bad.

And bad Angel characterization.

And bad habit of talking up a threat only to have it not actually be much of a threat (see also The Three).