I think this issue is going to be the dividing line.

I've got the same impression.

And a lot of people saying "Oh my God yes, it's all falling into place now and the story line just got ten times deeper and more interesting."

God bless them. I visit Dark Horse forums and I know that people argue a lot about the conspiracy and Buffy's future strategy and the identity of the traitor - but I'm afraid it's not my cup of tea. I'm trying to figure out if I'm disappointed because of Spike's absence and try to justify my disappointment by looking for flaws. :)
I'll try to keep on reading, though.