I love this post! I read #36 Thursday night and am trying to get caught up with the discussion. I'm just so happy that I'm not the only one who really liked this issue, who feels hopeful for the first time in a long while. Viva la positive! This interpretation makes sense. I am right there with you. This entire season is about living in a dream, a fantasy. Someone has to pop the bubble - kiss the princess - to wake her up and bust her out of the fantasy prison she built for herself. Bangel is a fantasy. Spuffy is real. It's always been true. I think Joss might just be finally saying it point blank.

ETA: Thank you for the links at the top of your post! Illuminating insights there.