Spades were rare for me as well.
Regarding those that received cards that did not reflect in thier card count.
Im thinking that as well as a maximum number of total cards that can be held/kept perhaps there is a maximum PER card. Like limiting us to 10-20 of each card.
So if you already had 20, 2 of hearts, and you received another 2 of hearts, it might not count them anymore.
Zeppers Lvl40
http://pirates.teamofx.us