I'm just anal enough about balance and symmetry that the "4 in the Gate" theme makes a warped sort of sense to me. I wouldn't have chosen to do that, but I kind of get it.

I had no idea that actors retained the ability to approve their images. It seemed as if they should but I didn't know if that was industry standard or not. Who knows, maybe CB didn't approve whatever monstrosity they'd cooked up for Vala. I'd still liked to have seen her on the slipcase.

I'm in a weird place regarding Vala. Before she was added, I had just reached a Zen place where I was no longer watching because I really cared about Daniel or Sam or Jack or even Teal'c -- and I certainly wasn't watching for excellent story telling. I was watching solely because the eye candy factor and I'll admit that the costume department finally stepped up to the plate and sexed 'em up. Given that characterization had taken a back seat to the far more shallow aspects, Vala didn't really upset my apple cart. I was annoyed that Michael played Daniel as Mono-Mood, permanently peeved, but he was still cute and sleeveless so...*shrug*

If I'd still been watching for the love of the show, I'd have hated Vala because she was written at the expense of the other characters. Kind of like Rodney, she was more interesting to the writers and played by a brilliant actor. She dominated in a way I thought compromised the team as I loved it. Like I said, though, I'd reached my Zen Zone so while I'd love to have seen her and Sam bond as former hosts or seen something real written for her, she didn't stop the man scenery parade so I couldn't get chuffed.