When I first heard of the Shanshu Prophecy, my opinion was pretty much the same as what I assume most Bangel fans were thinking - yay!! Finally a way for them to be together, without any of Angel's break-up excuses. And of course, I was assuming it'd happen well within Buffy's lifetime.

Then I rewatched IWRY and that made me think. Wouldn't Angel turn down the Shanshu, if he could, like he eventually turned down being human in that episode? The reasons still stand, unfortunately.

Then I got a new idea. I'm still not sure if I like it ou not. My opinion tends to vary.

What if, when Angel Shanshus, he becomes like Connor? Technically human, but still retaining the strength, the speed, the healing. He'd be able to fight then. I know some people have pointed out that normal humans do fight, e.g. Gunn, Xander. But I think Angel would have gotten too used to his current strengths.