It doesn't matter. You didn't miss out on much. I think looking after a pet is at least a challenge, for the fact they are living things. An egg is just a symbol for fertility.

Usually it takes an actor to feel comfortable in their role. But the original willow looked more mature. The dynamic would have been different with her in it. Unaired pilots are always odd because many things are changed or altered to make it look better. It's like a tester.

I heard on Castle, Nathan Fillion had to do read throughs with over a hundred women trying out for Kate Beckett. So they could test the chemistry.