I agree with you here, on the emphasis being less on characters and more on plot, and I would add shock value/twists to that as well. This season, while solid story wise, paled in comparison to last season when it came to character development and emotional connection. There's a bit too much focus on plot and not enough on people. I feel like certain relationships came out of nowhere and had little build up(Bonnie/Jeremy) or they stagnated (the Damon/Elena/Stefan love triangle, and Stefan/Elena in general - their relationship really is going nowhere). Other characters languished in the background (Alaric, Matt, Jenna)....

I think Tyler and Caroline got strong character stories and that's why I'd rather see Matt go than Tyler. I love Alaric so much more than any of the other male characters excluding Damon, and really want a good story for him. The character and his friendship with Damon is too good to lose.

I wouldn't mind Elena turning. And it would be a good twist for the season finale.