On the subject of Tara, i heard that there was supposed to be an ep in S7 where Buffy was allowed to make a wish, and instead of bringing back her mother or allowing herself to have a normal life, she was going to wish for Tara to return so Willow could be happy again. If Buffy had done that i would have taken back every bad thing ive ever said about her. Unfortunately, i think there was a scheduling conflict and Amber couldnt return. Plus, i think they would have decided against it anyway. After all, no one can be happy in the Whedonverse for long.