Actually he might like Kennedy - because a)slayer, and b)not male.
A lot of people were relieved Whedon didn't try to bring OZ back (he did according to something I read recently, Seth Green balked), or introduce a new male love interest or put her with Xander (which they considered but realized it would send the wrong message.)

You are right - he's technically being paid to watch the series, much like Doctor Who. So he'll suffer through.