I don't really see it making Fred obsolete. Part of it is I don't know the character all that well. I admit to missing a decent sized chunk of the last two seasons on the actually watching the show front, but I read summaries left and right ('specially Loey's early bird reviews) She was crazy chick who was a science geek, then she was Gunn's girlfriend, then she's research gal with a sadistic streak. I mean, you still have her as a romantic foil to Wesley and Gunn. Willow, obviously, ain't gonna be playin that part.

Of course, I look at it as akin to bringing Worf ont DS9. You just go "huh?" for a bit. They'd have to have a pretty compelling reason to bring any of the characters over to L.A. and be able to develop them. As it is, Angel's got a hefty cast going.

Of course, the way things are being hinted at, anything could happen on both shows. I actually suspect that Angel may be losing some characters by the end of the season, but I'm not certain. The Sunnydale carnage could be anything, too. *shrugs*

I honestly hope Willow would stick around. I think she'd like being able to work with her beau, but she may also be thinking it's time to try something new.

I think the writers are just writing the show to tell the stories. I think the season will end on a definitive note, but leaving something for the future. Of course, you never know. Last season was a cliffhanger from hell, after all. And this is supposed to be all major apocalypse time right now.

*shrugs*