I'm baffled at the "season ending distraction" and "destiny dashed" thing. I don't think it's something Zuiker would just say off the cuff, but then again I don't know Zuiker personally. I'm hoping it means we're gonna see a physically and emotionally jacked up Danny, which would actually mean some continuity. I would just hope that the emotional part wouldn't include taking his decision to switch shifts out on Lindsay. That could possibly be the worst thing they could do to the character, IMO. Zuiker definitley has my attention for the beginning of S4, hopefully how everything plays out can keep my attention.
ETA: Oh yeah, this is what Pam Veasey told TV guide about next season: "We're going to be really youthful and current." TV guide also mentions cases about "Internet relationships, online celebrities and the world of underground music." That scares me and my attention span.