Truthfully, I think Carrie is used quite efficiently in this storyline, as opposed to how she simply seemed to flit around in 1840. (But having one's costar decide that he doesn't really want to take part will do that to you.)
I agree with this. Carrie didn't seem to have any purpose during 1840, and she just seemed to pop up every once in awhile. Now she actually has some sort of purpose.
I also have to say that I've never had any problem with Kathy Cody or her characters. While she is far from my favorite actress (I think Denise Nickerson was better than her), I don't think she's one of the worst either. *shrugs* While I didn't like it when there was a Hallie overdose during the summer of 1970, I don't mind her when she just pops up every once in awhile.