Their argument seems to be that sometimes Joss did jokes but both examples they give are not only funny, they're also revealing of the characters. Tucker really is that shallow and Spike would so be distracted from his pontificating by a shiny, shiny blowjob.

:)))))))))))))))))))

OK, different example: here's what Brian Lynch (who writes AtF) says about Buffy's robbery

It's not the right thing that she's doing, but it's not a terrible thing that's she's doing, and seeing how that plays out is gonna be cool.

The transcript of Brian Lynch's podcast is here

http://community.livejournal.com/angel6_atf/33289.html

Lynch works together with Joss so I suppose he shares his worldview. I wonder if writers look at Buffy's criminal activities more tolerantly.