Off Topic is recovering I'll grant you guys that.

Though claiming it's a strictly worse and more vicious environment... That depends on who you ask.
For those who came to spam and were accepted it would defelently look that way.

But spam does have it's cliche's and popularity levels.
If you're not accepted or 'in' then most of the community doesn't really treat you that well right off the bat.
At least in Off Topic you're often give a few chances to make Intelligent and well thought out posts or arguments before (most) people choose where you stand.

If you like one or the other more is personal tastes, tomato, tomato, apples & oranges.
Both have flaws (some a bigger deal to certain individuals than to others), and both have their perks.