I had this long essay written up about how Atobe cares for his team the way that a commander cares for his men, and how only those who hem deem to be worthy of his attention does he go out on a limb for (Shishdo thing), and then I re-read what you wrote, and there was much banging of head on table.

But yes, agreement on what you said. Except to add, the second category you mentioned; I see them not so much as not being able to control their strength, but rather that their brilliance/genius have not found an avenue that they can pour their feelings and emotions into. There is no goal for them. They are directionless, and more often than not bored with the world.

Akutsu can't seem to enjoy anything, Fuji is in a perpetual state of fugue, once in while waking to see the happenings surrounding him because they amuse him, and Kirihara... well, Kirihara is interesting. The boy is obsessed with tennis, is obsessed with the wanting to beat the power3, but his anger, and his complete focus on the court borders on possession. And it is interesting to note that in the match between him and Fuji (manga) the former became clear-headed, and the latter found motivation. Now, I'm sooooooo curious to see what happens to their characterisation, is anything at all.