I've enjoyed the show since watching season 1. The best seasons are classic with intrigue and strategy like a game of Diplomacy mixed with the trials of an endurance sport. Not every season works well for the audience. Like solopop I think last season was one of the best, however I'm not impressed yet this season. It seems like the first Blood vs Water (Fall '13) worked well when the pairs were anchored with former players, but I think the chemistry of knowing the game was part of what made it work. That's missing this season.
I think it is more that BvW 1 had more interesting players. All of the returnees for the most part had been vetted, and then players like Brad/Vytas/Hayden/Cierra were all great too. This season, with a few exceptions, seems to have a pretty bland set of personalities in comparison. At least so far.
