TPTB are well aware of how the audience feels about Desmond and Penny. They've acknowlege it many times. If Penny dies, especially at the hands of Ben, everyone is going to be really pissed. They better not even go there.

Also, I knew Pussycow was straight. I just had to joke about him flirting with you. He has pussy in his name so I had to tease him. I knew he could handle it.