b. His "plan" for getting intel about Verin
I actually didn't mind this meeting where he creates intricate backstories to his men going undercover. My complaint is that it was poorly implemented. By that, I mean there seemed little purpose to his planning. Talmanes being a warder, and it being an intentional oddity to create distraction, was a nice touch, but the rest of the scene was just wrong. Mat is often funny and quirky in his initial behavior, but there is always a deeper purpose behind his actions, usually supported by his upbringing by a shrewd farmer and horse trader, or his 'Finn-filled memories. This scene was just... unnecessary and out of character. Mat has never shown interest in drama before this time. Having said that, I did enjoy the scene for what it was. It definitely made me laugh (especially Talmanes, though he also felt wrong).