Definitely. I always hated the way they dragged it out over S3. It's one of the reasons that S3 is one of my least favourite seasons, in spite of having some great episodes and the addition of Faith.

Yeah, I personally never really minded that much, but by now I've watched the series through so many times that I think it would've definitely been a billion times more powerful, memoriable and unique love-story if it had ended with the Season 2. Or rather practically ended, surely Angel would've made appearences in Buffy's memories/guilt-trips/pain, but anyway...Season 2 would've been such a perfectly tragic and heart-wreching ending for them. Especially as it has that bittersweet song "Full of Grace" playing in it...

I wonder what would've become of Buffy over the years then. Angel clearly was the love of her life. Would she have turned her back on her duty and done all in her power to gain a place in Hell instead of ending up in Heaven or whatever that place was she actually went to after Season 5.

If anyone knows any fanfics with a storyline wherein Angel never came back from Hell, please link here! :)

P.S.
I still like the canon very much. Besides, without Angel coming back, there would be no Connor and I LOVE Connor!!! So, no complaints from me really. Just a preference strictly for BTVS canon. :D

Noo then Angel probably wouldn't have come back!

@bendaimmortal - the problem with your little AU idea is that, as I interpreted it, the Buffyverse distinguishes between the afterlife type Hell and various dimensions which are Hell-like. The dimension Angel got dragged into through Acathla was one of the Hell-like ones.

Okay, well, she could have tried to find a way into that specific one. Much like Angel tried for his son in the canon.

^That would make for an interesting dark AU.

At least this way Angel is still alive (or undead/vampiric/whatever), we get S3 Bangel scenes and the ATS spin-off, and there's also the possibility or hope of a post-series reunion.