Hey there! I'd actually forgotten that you were local. (*headslap*) And I'm certainly not above being plied with baked goods. : ) My schedule's pretty super-tight these days, but email me. There could be coffee and conversation.

On your bullet points: ooh, good stuff.
1. Yes, that was baffling. I remember feeling relieved to see the back end of the hate fest, and not wincing every time I saw Xander so much anymore, but it would've been nice to see the turning point played out, I agree. I may have an idea cooking for that one.
2. I think Chapter 2 kind of covers this one. Like the above relationship, I really feel the need to lay down some markers on how she feels, and if there is a turning point, to show it.
3. On principle, I agree completely, but I might not use the same particular characters, as I'm not going to be adhering to the plots of the individual episodes like, at all. If anything, it'll be more of a general vibe about Dawn being the same age as Buffy in S1, and tailoring her circle accordingly.
4. Yes, the Giles problem. Working on that one. I have big problems with the Giles-as-Dumbledore image with Willow as well. Expect something different.
5. I'm still listening! : )

At some point, I'm sure I'll need a summary. I guess I should wait until I have more of it written, tho!