Agreed and right on the money!Sadly that's on the direction Production has taken for the most recent seasons. It is slowly becoming Big Brother on an island or in the jungle. I don't think anyone has really "starved" since S4. Pretty soon they'll be changing the name of the show to "Social Butterfly"...we're pretty close already.
Because I refuse to watch seasons with returning players I did not follow Heros vs. Villians, but when my nieces pleaded to watch the Finale on my large screen TV, I gave in and watched the Finale/Reunion Show. On the Reunion Show what really jumped out at me (and probably went over most heads) was Coby mentioned to Jeff that during his first two stints there was more "open ground" to "explore" and "survive" and utilize survival skills. In H vs V (his third time) he was bummed about being confined within a close enviroment. What it does is forces players to become social butterflies and also creates more catty drama. So essentially they replace "Robinson Crusoe" with a touch of "Jerry Springer."
Whereas this newer format putting a premium on social characteristics gives some fans a mini orgasm, I really wish the show would return back to its roots.