I can see the logic in the complaint that we already saw this plotline last year. But I don't mind a continuing threat when it makes sense -- it's not like they're retreading it because they can't think of anything else; it's a consequence of what happened before.

But any complaints that it's a cheat or whatever, strike me as fannish Teh Crazy - mistaking personal fanon for what was actually on there. Castiel never said Dean wasn't going back when the work was done; quite the opposite, he said Dean was brought out for a specific task. Now, maybe if he completes that task, he may be spared, but that was never promised.

In fact, I can see a situation in which Dean finds out the contract is still in effect and he, thinking he was safe like many fangirls, is gonna be all bitter and 'thanks for nothing' then. Some have speculated that the season isn't going to end up the brothers against each other, but together against everyone else -- finding out he's not safe could start that crack between Dean and heaven.... dunno, but it cdertainly has possibilities which being safe does not.

Which is a long winded way of saying... yes.