I was always a Mary fan rather than a John fan (er, not that I think one can't be both, I just - don't happen to be). And I love the connection between Mary and Sam- whatever it is, whatever it turns out to be.

I believe too, that Sam, just like Buffy, didn't come back 'wrong', he was a bit off to start with, and now they're (Dean, Bobby, audience) just looking for excuses for him. OH KRAZY BITTER FOOLISH KILLER SAM I LOFF YOU.