I read HBP and DH back to back after my daughter finished them in january this year, so I did not spend 2 years waiting and speculating.

I think JK was clever enough to know that when the last Harry Potter was released it would be read very quickly so that people would know what happened.

For me the oh moments were when Ron came back and saved Harry....and when Harry survived in the woods - Voldemort having broken only the link between them.

And I agree about it being in the best traditions that the hero is ultimately on his own.....

And I NEVER thought that Snape could be a baddy after the first book - when it was proved that he wasn't trying to kill Harry, but protect him from Quirrell.

Dumbledore trusted Snape - that was enough...