I could be wrong, but I still think the unavailability of Meredith Monroe was why we got a P/J ending.

All the other reasons, are as I said, are revisionist. B.S. and people saying what they thought their public wanted to hear.

The whole series was based upon Dawson and Joey figuring out their lives and ultimately ending up together.

Pacey and Andie were the aborted "B" story You have to ask yourself: why was Meredith brought back at the end of season four and the final of the series? To be with Pacey. Which is the only scenario that makes sense.