I had the impression that Professor Bhaer could be a super useful critique partner for Jo if he ever learned how to couch his critiques a little less bluntly (who starts off with "I don't like it," Professor Bhaer???) - her family is uncritically admiring of her work, and that's great, but she's clearly reached a point in her development as a writer that she needs someone to discuss her work with. So no matter what else happens in her and Bhaer's relationship (he comes back to teach at her school and just pines quietly while she bonds with her true soulmate, books??), I hope they do become critique partners.