The latest objection to Spike's state in early s7 I've seen was that it puts the emotional emphasis on his suffering rather than on Buffy's reaction. Which I don't think is the case, but views may differ, etc.
Personally, I think the nervous breakdown/insanity at the start of s7 was necessary for both Doylist and Watsonian reasons. In addition to those you already listed (which I agree with), there is the fact that you have to play by in-universe established rules. Yes, Spike wanted a soul, as opposed to Angel, but that doesn't change the fact both shows had established getting a soul after a lifetime or several as a joyful serial killer is a shattering event that does drive you temporarily out of your mind. AtS season 1 was already years back by the time s7 of BTVS was written, and in the AtS episode Five by Five we get a flashback to Angel immediately post souling (in addition to that bit from Becoming; that is). And he does have a mental collapse. He's stable two years later for the China flashbacks from Darla and Fool for Love; but that's two years. Given that, I don't think I would have bought Spike going through the experience and coming out on top immediately.
On a Watsonian level, I think seeing Spike in this way from the church scene onwards is what makes Buffy believe this is genuine, the real article, no question about it, not a trick or a mindgame. It's part of what makes her looking for alternate explanations months later when Holden reveals he's been sired by Spike; she's seen Spike broken down, with the soul having this raw impact, she knows, really knows, he hasn't faked that.
no subject
Personally, I think the nervous breakdown/insanity at the start of s7 was necessary for both Doylist and Watsonian reasons. In addition to those you already listed (which I agree with), there is the fact that you have to play by in-universe established rules. Yes, Spike wanted a soul, as opposed to Angel, but that doesn't change the fact both shows had established getting a soul after a lifetime or several as a joyful serial killer is a shattering event that does drive you temporarily out of your mind. AtS season 1 was already years back by the time s7 of BTVS was written, and in the AtS episode Five by Five we get a flashback to Angel immediately post souling (in addition to that bit from Becoming; that is). And he does have a mental collapse. He's stable two years later for the China flashbacks from Darla and Fool for Love; but that's two years. Given that, I don't think I would have bought Spike going through the experience and coming out on top immediately.
On a Watsonian level, I think seeing Spike in this way from the church scene onwards is what makes Buffy believe this is genuine, the real article, no question about it, not a trick or a mindgame. It's part of what makes her looking for alternate explanations months later when Holden reveals he's been sired by Spike; she's seen Spike broken down, with the soul having this raw impact, she knows, really knows, he hasn't faked that.