FF,
I hear you, and many times these kinds of shows DO go in that direction and get a little far-fetched (ok, zombies in themselves I guess are far-fetched but they ARE the series.)

I agree too with you about Michonne and hope to see more of a personality coming from her.
I forgot about the black guy & son that Rick met up with first season til you just mentioned it. I wouldn't rule out that they show up again. We know Rick would welcome them to his group.
FWIW, I still miss Shane. He added a certain "edge" to the story if you know what I mean. We KNOW he won't come back though.
TIS