Because of the scorning of Year 2, here's my review, and my claim is that their complaints do not negate the overwhelming strengths of Classroom of the Elite. Yes, COTE is about a school setting with a protagonist who can't lose in a contest of which he actively attempts to win. If that's not to your fancy, this is not your book. Moving onto the review now. The second year volumes are full of manipulation and psychological warfare. A lot of the decision-making involves preparations -- typically in negotiation with other classes, studying/fitness of the class, and tactics to overcome disadvantages. Ayanokōji is genuinely a terrifyingenemy and it's easy to forget that because of his indifference and willingness to be poked and prodded at by others, up until he reveals his fangs through some plan he made weeks and months ago.. Every action he makes is for some purpose; even his friendships are made with intention. He never reveals enough to other characters as to leave himself vulnerable, something you can tell through his actions as opposed to someone telling us that through dialogue.

The only criticism I would bring to light is how the author with-holds information from the reader as to not allow them to predict the outcomes; I think we should be more-omniscient, I believe we should be shown Ayanokōji's schemes to a greater extent instead of just the results and knowing who he interacted with.
I wouldn't accept any rating below 8 to be valid criticism for this book. It's done exceedingly well and it doesn't feel like the authors wasting your time with super-specific detailing.