I think the acting is worse this season than previous ones, but maybe it's just because the scripts and dialogue have become more stupid. The lead characters are becoming more like
caricatures of themselves now - Brian's still a swinger, Justin's still his lackey, Ted's still pathetic, Michael's still whiny, Emmett's still flamboyant, etc. etc. etc. But I think all of the actors succeed in being compelling to watch. (Although I'm extremely irritated with Michael and Ben's storyline now - I understand your desire to smack them.)
Oh, and I missed a couple of episodes -- what happened to Hunter??
"It's not always about you!!!" (But if you think I'm referring to you anyway, then I probably am.)
"Good luck returning my ass!" - Wilhemina Slater
"This is my breakfast, lunch and f***ing dinner right here. I'm not even f***in' joking." - Colin Farrell