Yeah, the connection was really so obvious that it is a mystery to me why they didn't point it out. Show used to love its anvils, after all. Of course there were differences between Sam and Dean and the 'zombies' in the episode, especially physically, but still, the emotional aspect was very similar.

I think I was possible to read Sam just fine last season, even if it took some effort, but really there have been so many missed opportunities with Sam's overall story, it makes me sad. And tell me about it, I am so, so tired of the tension, the figths, the trust issues. I just want them to work through it and make up already. I miss the closeness of their relationship so much, it used to be the heart of the show. Kripke promised a reconciliation between the brothers, but nothing of the sort happened so far. Sure, they work together and are civil around each other, but their emotional connection is still severely damaged. :(

Yes, I think there have been a few instances this season where the Sam of old made a re-appearance, and I am happy about that. His objections here definitely had no roots in identification with the monsters and seemed more motivated by emotional/moral concerns.