Yep. Pretty much my feelings. I have hope. I can't see Dean or Sam just giving up on Castiel. I can see Dean being mad, and maybe 'saying' he's given up but when it really comes down to it -- no he hasn't.

As for Misha not being a regular, Jim Beaver isn't either and he was in only one less episode than Misha from what I've seen people saying this year. So what is the difference really going to be? If want to use Misha they will -- and Sera's mentioned Sam and Dean's capicity for forgiveness and redemption, she's mentioned exploring Castiel's God-dom. There will be Angels. I don't see there being no Castiel in what she is saying.

Whatever happens will happen. But until it happens not much use in worrying.