>The term "pet" comes to mind. Kami-sama, at least as far as the OVA goes,
>doesn't really care one way or the other about Belldandy and Keiichi. He
>DOES care about violations of the rules, ie. her promising/agreeing on a
>contract with Keiichi before her time as a Goddess.

I don't agree. I immediately got the impression from the OVA that Kamisama
was "testing" Keiichi, and that the happy resolution of the series (and the
not-so-subtle placement of the wedding-themed "Congratulations" song) was a
result of Kamisama being content that Keiichi was suitable to wed a
Goddess, ie he "passed". And so he should, too. I don't see Keiichi
becoming a great leader or scientist or anything intellectual like that.
Having the special attention of Kamisama and that resulting in a happy
marriage to a megami is at the same time loftier and more humble than
something like being a world leader or famous scientist, and more fitting
of Keiichi.

Sam (trying to make up for three-odd weeks of not being able to make
idealistic statements and replies on this ML :)