It's obvious that was planned all along IMO.
Joss wouldn't have Spike stay dead. His character is too popular.
Does it cheapen Buffy dying for Dawn and the world in the Gift since she came back?
I'm not even going to get into the shipping stuff with Spuffy and Bangel.
Plus I'm a hardcore Cangel shipper.
I would be ok with all 4 of them together.
When has Joss let Buffy be happy? He has said that is what the show is all about Buffy being unhappy.
That there wouldn't be a show if she wasn't.
I wish she could be but I don't think it's in the cards. Something will always mess things up for her when he is writing it.