Absolutely. I suspect Kim Manners was this show's saving grace in the beginning; IMO, Kripke frankly doesn't seem to know his hands from his feet when it comes to plot and characterization.

And I agree, thje characterization got worse and worse and WORSE. That's the main reason why I just couldn't bear to watch anymore after a certain point. All of the original charm was gone, and the show seemed determined to dwell lovingly on things I thought were not only uninteresting, but actively repelling - while destroying everything I ever actually liked about the show.

I have to say, I can't believe the show lasted this long. I'm actually rather sorry in some ways, because Jensen is way too good an actor for this trainwreck, and ought to be on a far better show.