--Dude, I just wondered to jennytork whether Crowley's next move after being rebuffed by the Winchesters (which he will be, I've no doubt) will be to try to spring Michael. Great minds!
(As long as we're dreaming, can they bring back Gabriel while they're at it?)
But yeah, Edlund has kind of hinted that there's some sort of apotheosis in store for Sam and Dean. So maybe there is some truth in that affirmation. Would explain Death's interest in Dean....