"You know what – this statement is EXACTLY what I’ve had in my head since the beginning, that there can be no reconciliation, no redemption, nothing. John’s not going to give in, and Sam’s not going to bend."

I was so hoping that this was what you were going for. John was just too brutal in this story for a fluffy, happy ending, even though I think some writers would go that route. I'm glad it wasn't just a figment of my imagination.

This kind of treatment is either going to make a kid more rebellious, if only internalized rebellion, or break him. The former is the only way I can stomach this kind of story. I hate fics where John punishes and abuses and Sam just accepts it and is completely forgiving. I'm sorry, but that's Dean. Sam had to be stronger than that. I just love to see "Sam Wins!" stories. So that's where I was coming from on this story, I just needed to see Sam win, even if it's just the knowledge that he can, and will leave, when the time is right.

I still wonder at what point that Dean would think John is crossing the line. I would have thought John had already crossed it, but then again, Dean forgives John everything. That's pretty much canonical.