"I'm not saying that Sam was wrong to go to Stanford, but Sam's reaction to Dean's admission was...if not wrong, then odd."-- I think when someone tells you you've hurt them ,it takes awhile to process that, so Sam's lack of reaction didn't surprise me. It would be nice in a future episode Sam mentions this encounter and apologizes. But with time constrainsts I don't see that happening,the fanfic writers will have to write that scene.

John and Mary's marital strife--I think it was there because for some reason John is becoming the scape goat for all of Dean's issues-- ANd please don't tell me he is,I don't see John as the villan,I don't think he was a saint,but he was 'a rightous man.'

Dean's throwing away the amulet- Cas lost faith,Dean lost faith, I'm betting(praying) Sam retrives the amulet and we'll see him wearing it. Wouldn't it be poetic if Sam who prays daily(House of Holys)finds God..