Oh I know what you mean. and your quote there about their flaws and issues. It's so true and speaks volumes and I reckon sums up each and almost every person feelings about their characters.
I could see Cam / Vala too, but I just choose not too ;)
Talking of Fanfic and how much you have to catch up on, at the mo I have lets see, 15 waiting to be read. What I do is have a dig around for the older fics and re read them. As well as the brand new ones.
I have a few hours each evening after my daughter goes to bed to catch up on stuff. but it doesn't include tv catch up too...
We need more hours in the day.