That Kennedy's death will turn out to be important, I don't doubt. But I can't really see Willow being so casual and flippant about it (in 1.03) if it was some great tragedy that forced her into desperate measures to reverse.

You can't see Willow seeking out greater knowledge and understanding of her power, even at great personal risk? You've obviously got a very different view of her character than I do... (Although it wouldn't be just 'to get more power' so much as 'to be able to use her powers to help people without risking going evil again', I think.)