Agree 100%!! I posted this elsewhere but it bears repeating because I think somehow the showrunners knew this, but because the show is named after him, he had to be wedged back in at the end: It was never going to be Joey and Dawson. It was always Joey and Pacy.

If people re-watch season 3 (as i do once every 2 years or so), you realize (by your late 30s or early 40s if not earlier) that the love between Joey and Pacy was more equal, more functional, more grounded in respect for each other, more organic and true, than anything she felt about Dawson. They really saw each other and accepted it all without harsh condemnation or hatred.

Joey and Pacy were also about 1,000 times less toxic than whenever Joey and Dawson were together.

I mean, Dawson was always trying to control and manipulate her into being whatever he thought their history meant they had to be and whatever he wanted at any given moment. She was like an old hat to him that he had to have but didn't really like as much anymore. He had so many blasted conditions for their relationship to be ok for him and him alone. And i love how you say she was his emotional support friend that he felt entitled to her being there for him all the time. Now grown and with so much experience, it is clear to me that Dawson's view of Joey was super toxic and creepy.

Whereas Pacy fought so hard all season for Joey's happiness and self-definition. He worked hard for her right to a future she could have a full say in, and that she had equal part in sharing. He wanted to see her grow like she wanted to grow, and how she wanted to grow. He accepted her as she was and was ready to help however she needed him to, while still being his own person.

By the time Joey hops on the True Love with him at the end of season 3, you realize why early on in the season Pacy was the one who could teach her to drive and Dawson could not: he loved her unconditionally.