I love this episode too. I made this post kind of late because it was storming pretty badly last night. I think the awkward timing may've made the post get lost in the shuffle of people's friend pages. :(
That's a good point you bring up about Buffy's relationships and how the bar is kind of set for the viewers in this episode, as far as what to expect. Nothing will ever be simple for Buffy because of her calling. And yes, it is awful. :/