That's why I think it was the dumbest decision (by a group of intelligent and creative writers) to pursue the Xander/Willow thing at all. What a waste of time that could have been better spent on Xander getting more one-on-one time with Buffy after she returned from L.A. and Buffy starting afresh after the Angel/Angelus drama
And it would have followed up the obvious sexual tension between them in 'Phases'. That suspended moment when it looked like she was going to kiss Xander after Theresa died -- they cannot do that and then just ignore them the rest of the show
It's such a waste.