Really, up until that point, I always thought that Buffy was a weak character. She was never able to think for herself. She could never make the really hard choices, not without someone to back her up. She made lots of speeches about the Slayer standing alone, but she never really did. Like you said, she finally grew up, but she also finally became her own person, not beholden to anyone, not Giles, not her friends, not her mother, not the Watchers Council, not the old men in the cave. For the first time, she was a complete, whole character in and of herself. About frakkin’ time. 
Yes, in the same way that a pope can quit. :eek:
Well, sure, if you want to be succinct about it. 
Apparently, I’m feeling very “type-y” tonight. :rolleyes: