Q: Can the Dark One be balefired?
RJ: No.
Q: [Why did the Aes Sedai submit themselves as apprentices to the Wise Ones?]
RJ: The Aes Sedai were being forced to be subservient according to the circumstances and couldn't really help it.
Q: Is Sammael dead?
RJ: Jordan responded that Sammael was dead as of the end of A Crown of Swords. Jordan felt that the character was a "louse" and didn't deserve a dramatic death ala Rahvin or Be'lal. He deserved a very vague death and was killed by something that he didn't pay attention to."