Or sacrificing herself (Homura) to save Madoka. After all, one thing consistent with all the cycles is Homura's survival.

About your point on Madoka wanting to be saved, I don't think it's a minor point at all. Wanting to be saved and being selfishly "helped" by someone who thinks they know better are completely different things. Homura is just awesome. I hated her braided look though. Still it emphasizes her cool look now so all is well.

AND Thank God they finally brought attention to Homura's bad ass name. Definitely one of my favorite names ever. I realize that unique names are almost necessary for me to like a character (e.g. C.C., Senjougahara, Saber, Lafiel, and Homura). I now realize that most of those are fairly masculine or at least androgynous.