It would make more sense if the princesses weren't screened too, but didn't Twilight technically "cheat" when she helped Spike light the torch?
i loved this episode, but we should get another that focuses more on the games themselves since they were so hyped up. Seeing Spike use actual fire breath instead of his magic fire was a nice touch. I do believe that's his biggest flame yet, which really shows his potential to be a powerful dragon like the ones we've seen in the past. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had brilliant moments, even though they were side characters in this one. I liked the continuity (CMC routine, Aerial Relay Team routine were both the exact same as in Flight to the Finish and Rainbow Falls). Honestly I didn't like how Ponyville had the highest medal count. The minor conflicts were nice, like Twilight wanting to sit with her Ponyville friends.
Oh and GRIFFINS!
All in all, this was a great episode, especially for a Spike episode. It might not have been the Equestria Games we were hoping for, but it was still very solid. 9/10 for me.