Giles runs a close second - he spends most of his time learning arcane lore and reading books - but is often forgotten by people except as a source of information and a last resort. He's old-fashioned, with a sense of what is important. His self-assurance comes from his tenacious ability to research and learn, but his esteem is slowly eroded by his removal from the Watchers' Council, and his estrangement from UC Sunnydale college life.
Also - Season 5 of Buffy is one of the most depressing things I've ever watched in my life - as tragedy just gets piled on top of tragedy, it reminds me a little too much of a few years ago, minus the metaphysical combat and elder gods seeking revenge on mortals.
