In a word - yes.
Den vs Gavin would have been a better storyline as Den was always a clever villain - he could think rather than just fight. Gavin seems to be the same. There's be more at stake too because of Sharon and Den would have absolutely helped Kathy.
Pat is the bigger loss though. You just know her and Gavin probably has a thing, and Pat could be clever and conniving too.
Basically, this now feels like a rich, all encompassing storyline for characters that go way back to the start of Eastenders and beyond. Its even bigger than the Mitchells because at its core it's about characters from the very very start.
I know we have Kathy, Sharon and Ian, but the one thing this storyline is truly missing now is its original players from when Gavin was around before. It needs the 'old guard' and unfortunately all we have is Kathy.... and Dot.
This is why I think I think now more than ever I miss Pat and even Den. Basically if this was an American TV show they'd be inviting a load of old characters back and it would be a TV event.
But there isn't anyone to bring back. Except Phil is involved and scared witless. Grant and Peggy would be the absolute perfect people to bring back for this.
You just know they're going to do a surprise Christmas return. My god, could we be in line for a 'GET GAVIN' week after all?