User blog comment:Xilinoc/Ch. 610 - Mausoleum of Skulls/@comment-25893842-20141219100733/@comment-24153155-20141219175825

I think one of the things which absolutely contributes to Ichigo's growth rate is that he protects because of his heart, whereas the conventional Shinigami protect out of duty (relying on their hearts to activate bankai). (On the cheesier side, this is also why Rukia and Ichigo share a deep bond despite coming from different places). Just as Ichigo's strongest point is his heart, it's also his weakest. He is in his teens and his resolve has often wafered because of this.

Aside from that; I actually like the idea of the Quincy inner worlds if they would have such a thing. It would make a whole lot of sense.