This is very true. And the fanboys were pandered to in Season 8, in my humble opinion, because Xander was suddenly The Dude every girl wanted - even Buffy (though I'd argue it was the same need for connection that caused her to boink Twangel caused her to think Xander was a viable sexual partner, incestuous as that seems to everyone but Banders).

To me, it all seems pandering. Like I said. Pandering, pandering, pandering.

I like the word pandering.