I agree completely. I really hope that Stark lives, especially since he didn't want to fight in the first place. He's my favorite Espada by far, and I find him a very sympathetic and appealing character. My pet theory is that he only joined Aizen so that he wouldn't be alone anymore, and this chapter does seem to support that.

Zari

P.S.
And yes, Stark/Shunsui would be a hell of a pairing. Stark/Shunsui/Ukitake would be even more awesome.