I really shook my head at the 'slut' comment, which was insane even coming from an embittered Martha fan (I suppose this means that the 'bat-chippers' finally have a Martha-centric counterpart, but I don't see this as progress).

Don't think many of us would let the Doctor/John Smith walk away so easily. :)

Well, yes - except in that situation, it was perfectly obvious that one has to find the strength to do so, or face complete moral annihilation. But the only comfort going - that if you didn't, you'd still never be truly happy again, because of what it had cost - is pretty cold. Poor Joan. But she did her duty, and went on doing it.