*waves back* kathyh who is my oldest online friend is an enthusistic Spike/Buffy'shipper, and there was much bewilderment (and relief when she found the non-crazy parts) from her during those days...

I think I even remember hearing some old interview of someone whose name I don't remember who actually stated that they preferred that Who not be brought back at all if it was Rusty that was doing it.

Entirely possible, as fannish arguments about producers predate New Who by decades. (I remember londonkds once observing that one better never utter the words "John Nathan Turner" if one didn't want a passionate argument within minutes.) Though the first time viewers who didn't know anything about DW and knew Rusty (presumably) from earlier efforts like Queer as Folk or The Prophecy, if at all, were in a none-hate mood back in those new series starting days