Thanks for your comment. Though I think you're right that Rowling hoped to spring a big surprise with Severus's heroism and loyalty, I, too, know no one who *was* surprised. The big surprise, to me, was rat bastard!Dumbledore. And that actually worked; she did prepare it well. But, since she insists in interviews that Dumbledore is innately good, I'm not at all sure what she intended by that story, either. These books just puzzle and disturb me, in the end.

As to Snape gaining absolutely nothing from his sacrifices and love - yes. That's absolutely clear. And that's why I cannot understand fans who think his motivations selfish. But that is another essay entirely!