I watched the finale twice the night of its original broadcast and finally came to the conclusion that Starbuck's presence was a little divine influence. It's as if her death wasn't meant to happen but when it did, something stepped in to make sure she was there to fulfill her part of Galactica's destiny. Once she'd done her part, she was then allowed to be with Sam Anders in whatever afterlife awaited them. At least that's my take on it.

Alright, so basically God brought her back to help them get to Earth? I guess that could make sense, since she just disappears after saying goodbye to Lee.

That's how I figured it. It's like she and Lee were close to being together but never quite managed it, right up to the end.

Yeah, that was kinda unfortunate. They were something.