Yes, I agree with you seeing his beloved brother being taken to Hell was very traumatic for Sam. And yes I expected a lot from Sam because he's a hero too. But I also can accept Sam is a human, which means he has weakness and can make mistakes, just like Dean. That's why I'm so emotionally caught up with the brothers, why I love them. If they are perfect, I never even want to watch them in the first place.

I think all those years, John was fueled with revenge while Dean trailed after him doing his best to look after Sam and John. Once again, it's very clear that Sam is very much like John, much more so than Dean could ever be.

Please don't cheapen the sacrifice Dean made for his brother by saying he did it for selfish reason. That is a selfless act no matter how one spins it.

I very much agree Sam was most devastated after Dean was taken to Hell. And he found solace in Ruby. She made him forget for a moment he was alone, and that he mattered, he had the power to seek revenge. But the fact still remains that he played right into Ruby's little hands because she told him what he wanted to hear.

Lastly, I never painted Dean didn't make any mistakes. He is human too, which is why I love him. Dean and Sam have very different personalities and weaknesses. That's why it's such a joy to watch them together.