Whew, I agreed with everything you mentioned except disapproval of Lil' Sam's casting. Perhaps his lips were too plush (my friend brought this up also), but he looked enough like Colin (who is canon Sam in my head) with the hair and shape of his face and dewy eyes, that I was satisfied and then to have him be a convincing actor, too? Good stuff.
Shallow end deep diving: Please do not restrain yourself from capping scenes in which Jared Padelecki has perfect hair, expressions and clothing. Sooo appreciated!