Anyone who grows up in a tough situation, no matter the reason, should come out of it tough and empathetic. I know that is a large generalization but really, to be that mean over anything other than someone saying horrible things to him about him is just way out of line.
I think some of the women will stay together as vets against their own daughters. You could see the competition and it seemed to me like fun competition not angry. That could be fun if football boy does not get rid of all the daughters first. I worry that the men will feel the need to rescue their partners ala Rupert. Laura seemed to let him do it but she seems tough, most likely to me is that they both think he can easily fight his way back. If so, I wonder if he has to go to the other team? The fact that one said he would help his wife even though she was on the other team was stupid, these women look to be mostly perfectly able on their own and would probably not bat an eye ousting him if she needed to, it IS a game after all. You are correct about the vets wanting to be rid of the newbies. Those women are cool as cucumbers right now, that puzzle making catch up and win was outstanding. (right now I am not calling up who actually did the puzzle)
Actually all I came in here to say was that last season I ended up really liking. For the first time in a long time I was engaged right away and enjoyed the entire run. Not so engaged this time. I think it actually has more to do with what they choose to show us and I am so far outside the demographic they shoot for that the difference may lay there. I will still watch, I am for some reason hooked on this show. Never watch any of the others except I have seen over the years some episodes of that Race show and liked it but until Survivor is gone I allow myself no more of the reality type show.
Here is to some interesting twists and fun game play.