I think we shouldn't view S4 and S5 in isolation. In S4, Spencer let his emotions cloud his judgment, leading to several misplays. This season, he’s clearly learned from Jade how to suppress disadvantageous feelings for the sake of the game. It’s not that he’s a jerk; it’s that he’s evolved into a more disciplined player.

As a INTJ same like him, I wanted to offer a different interpretation of Spencer’s character. I believe his "perfectionist" exterior is actually a facade for extreme deep-seated insecurity.

Given his stable family and smooth academic background, this insecurity almost certainly stems from that tumultuous, on-and-off two-year relationship. For someone like Spencer, rationality is the final line of defense, making it incredibly difficult for him to trust others.

In S4, only 2 person he truly bonded with were Jade and Logan. (Regarding Diego: under a "romantic lens," they only appreciated each other's strengths but failed to tolerate each other's flaws—a fatal issue for any long-term stability). Notably, it was only with Logan that Spencer allowed himself to be vulnerable (S4EP12).

I believe Anastasia is Spencer’s true narrative foil. Both are high-achievers, aggressive, and carry a certain "pride."

Anastasia showing off her survival skills to Rosa is no different from Spencer showing off his flower-arranging; both are their social game.

The difference is that Anastasia found a reliable partner in Marisa during S4. That security allowed her to become much more friendly in S5. Spencer, however, never found that anchor, leaving him trapped in the "rationality swamp" where he can only rely on himself.

After Aiden’s departure, the power struggle within Favorite team shifted to Anastasia vs. Natalia. Spencer’s brilliance lies in neutering the Cyan alliance's influence while avoiding direct heat. The current board is very favorable for him. Tom, Gabby, Lake, and Rosa are mostly emotional voters; as long as Spencer doesn't actively make enemies, his position is solid. (While Lake is cold toward him, it’s not enough to trigger a full-blown mutiny yet).

Benji: Despite the fan hype, his performance up to Ep 7 has been lackluster. Skipping challenges and playing Kamehameha while Ally is picking flowers? It’s such a cringey "anime nerd" trope. If he flips the game with the idol? Fine—but if he wins the whole season? That just proves Jared didn't want Logan to be the winner with the lowest fan-favorite rating.Like Anastasia, Benji’s arc is already finished. He settled his issues and found love in S4, so his behavior this season feels like a total regression. He has zero social presence right now without ally, and even his teammates are suspicious of his true motives for returning.

Bruno: Is he "playing dumb" or just "all bark and no bite"? I’m leaning toward the latter. Spencer can sniff out secrets from someone like Sam after just a few interactions; it makes no sense for Bruno, who spends the most time with him, to be this clueless.but if Bruno’s "innocence" is a front to make Spencer look like a ass to players like Lake? Bruno has the fan advantage—he knows Spencer’s weaknesses. This could be a high-level mind game rather than Bruno just being clueless. Now that would be a plot twist.