I wanted him to slowly change over the course of time. Which is why I would've been okay with Nathan/Haley relationship really becoming official more towards the end of the season while we see Nathan truly struggle with the change in his life.

I think that would've ultimately made me root for Nathan/Haley a bit more.
Because in season 2, look what happened? It pretty much showed they shouldn't have gotten married as quickly as they did however I do believe marriage saved their relationship. If they didn't get married than they would have broken up...