I really liked the beginning of the season. And I do like the finale, although I think it has some problems that Joss should've anticipated- he's the one that wrote Fray after all! However, perhaps he hadn't planned on continuing in comics at that time.
I do think the Buffy/Giles relationship had to change, but I wish it hadn't been destroyed. Because even though they seemed to heal that rift in Chosen, season 8 proves that it wasn't.
I agree that Faith was necessary because of the issue with the Slayer line, but I liked her a heck of a lot better on AtS.
I loved Andrew, I know that the fandom is divided on that. And I think they could have had the Potentials in there without becoming so focused on them as individuals. And I think that Willow & Kennedy was completely unnecessary- what? Just to prove that she really was a lesbian? @@ whatever! I wouldn't have minded her having a one-night stand or a fun date.
There was some definitely great Spuffy stuff, particularly the church scene at the end of Beneath You and Touched of course. But the entire season becomes the Buffy & Spike show (throw in a bit of Willow), with little emphasis on the other Scoobies.
I do love Selfless- really great Anya-centered episode.
In short I agree with [MENTION=10790]Goby[/MENTION]- while it has it's shortcomings it's better than a lot of what's on television and definitely has some stellar moments (Conversations With Dead People for example).