The hiatus hasnt been horrendous to me either. Fall through Christmas always makes me super happy and i am so busy i dont really notice. I also watch so many shows lol.
I dont think BC would be as close if day trip hadnt happened because to me that was the obvious turning point in their relationship, where clarke started to really understand and see the good in bellamy.
But they might have had another moment later. I think that was definitely inevitable. It just might have taken longer.