Yeah. kradical's novelization has all this (and more) in it. Inara's part was just so much bigger on the original script - but I think time restraints just got them cut.

Yeah, I reckon Joss owes Morena big time - what about a spin-off: "The Strange and Exotic Tales of a Companion"? "Sihnon: The Companion Returns" Hmmm, neither are very catchy titles!