Or maybe, it was time to face an actual rival, not a standby extra like the Gary character, really. I enjoyed the unbrided arrogance and for once, someone superior, in function, at least. I'm not talking Robert as "I'm better than you, but no harsh feelings" kind of way, but almost anime Giovanni type of superiority. It's extremely refreshing, and a good kick in the pants to the maudlin sappiness of just about everyone else in the series.
I kinda enjoyed the Rocket part, if only because Paul realistically attacked them in the middle of the motto as it should be at times. Still, surprised they didn't return, but because of the ending, I'm not broken-hearted about it.