If Paul suddenly gets nice for no reason, I'll quit watching the show. I'm not even kidding.
Agreed. However, I have no fear of that happening. At least, not after watching this episode.
I liked this episode because it gave us a glimpse of a new side of Paul. That kid is still a jerk, but we're only seeing one side of him. He's a jerk to people he considers weak or ignorant.
Notice with Roark, we see him a little differently. He's respectful. He understood that his opponent was tough. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) this was the first time we ever heard Paul compliment one of his Pokemon (after either Geodude or Onix, to either Chimchar or Elekid, he said "Nice job!").
With this in mind, I'm beginning to think that Paul is a little bit deeper than I previously thought. Paul isn't just an arrogant jerk, he's just an amazing battler with little patience for those weaker than him. In the end, he may seem 'nice' at some point towards Ash, but it'll be once Ash earns his respect.
Oh, and I loved this moment... (may have lines a little wrong, but this was the general feel...)
Ean: Paul, these friends of yours? (Points to Ash and co.)
Paul: No way.