Dean was Kripke's Westley Crusher.

I'm not sure I understand what people mean by this. I've heard that Wesley was Roddenberry's avatar in the show, and Dean certainly wasn't representative of Kripke.

I didn't realize Bruce had ever directed for Xena. Or if I did, it's buried so far back in my memory that I don't know I knew. Or something.

Not at all surprised about the fans. Heh. I'm sure Evil Dead has some weird ones.