To be fair, didn’t they say a lot of Xander’s “army knowledge” stuck with him after his Halloween night as a soldier? Willow is a powerful witch (by season 5). And Anya has over 1,100 years of experience (and she’s either a great fighter or mid-level, depending on what the plot requires).

Also, I think by then, Buffy’s reputation had built up. Season 3, she was still in high school and was still fairly new in town. She still seemed like a fun challenge for a lot of the wannabes to boast about killing.

By season 5, those fresh vampires and smarter vampires/demons probably knew better than to go straight for the Scoobies (most of the newly vamped probably knew better because they went to high school with the gang).

That said, the fact that not one of them is carrying a weapon/stake is pretty ridiculous.

But I agree. Angel was more realistic in this regard. It was definitely a more mature show. (As it was supposed to be.)