But, seriously, I can't figure out if we're supposed to sympathize with this Buffy.

I think it depends. If you had sympathized with Angel in AtS S2, then there's no problem in sympathizing with Buffy, especially since each new issue reveals something. We know Buffy hates stealing, thinks she's setting a bad example for her slayers, but she had to do it.

I think I feel more sympathy toward Buffy here than Angel in S2, Angel's crimes are bigger in my eyes. Buffy's, while wrong, are less creepy.