I don't think that's the case? It's to establish Keiwa and Ace's new relationshp after Keiwa's character development. Keiwa's no longer someone who doesn't really have a concrete desire, and therefore doesn't know what he's doing or have a passion to fight, he's a competent capable warrior with a cause, but unlike Michinaga, is also willing to protect others because it's better for all of them to fight the increasingly strong Jyamato as a group and not fail to infighting. We've seen a few times Ace respects people who have that drive and passion, so he treats Keiwa more as an equal, rather than just another DGP player who keeps winning by klutzy luck. I think the scene is there specifically to make this obvious, not because the writers don't 'get' Ace's character. Yeah it's still very dickish for Ace to be like that with new players, but that's part of his cool factor. (It also still sells his overconfidence, in that even now he thinks he'll be able to fight with none of his buckles.)

But yeah, a good showing for the returning Keiwa and Neon especially. Unlike the older generation who are either convinced they're too good to fail, or too stubbornly bitter to accept help, they make a good team even while out for their own wishes. Interesting to see tension between the DGP organisers at this stage already, probably going to see some civil war between them at some point, especially with Giroli becoming the 2nd quarter Rider. Punkjack is definitely losing next week, but whether it gets him sent home or they apply a loophole and risk angering the other Riders, espcially Michinaga, will be interesting to see.

Yeah, I think that's a safe bet. If it's Keiwa, then that would leave us with the same three finalists as last time, so Michinaga would be preferable at least for variety and hopefully to make him realize the hard way that he can no longer keep up with the competition unless he's willing to truce with them against the stronger Jyamatos.

For sure, I rolled my eyes when Tycoon nonchalantly handed over the Driver, rather than questioning like a sensible person why he should put his trust in such an incredulous claim, or why not have Ace give him the new Raise Buckle and let Ace take the Jyamato Rider's Driver instead. It may have worked out in Keiwa's favor ultimately, but yeah, it was still foolish in the moment as there was no guarantee and it wasn't even the only option. There's no way I buy that Ace's pretty speech about teamwork alone was enough to earn his trust, yet it was, so it makes Ace look great and wise, while making Keiwa look like a lucky idiot who got the third time's charm.