I think the difference between us is that I gave up on ME a bit earlier than you did, and therefore haven't looked to BtVS and AtS in and of themselves for deep and meaningful exploration of the issues they raise. (And actual resolution of these issues!) I see the shows more as springboards for the far richer world of fic, so I can still enjoy them.

I was wondering if some of your negative experiences at cons over the summer - especially at Moonlight Rising - and JM's bizarro interpretations of Spike (aka 'toeing the company line') have affected your enjoyment of the show/s and Spike, in addition to the Spike problems on AtS 5.