QUOTE (Yerameyahu @ Feb 28 2012, 11:20 AM)
Even if the summoner deserves it, these are cases of the spirit *intentionally* misinterpreting (which may not be allowable, anyway). The spirit mystically owes services, and the spirit certainly knows the intent of what the summoner asked (to assume otherwise requires 'dog brain' tests for all spirits at all times). Personally, I think something like that would be interesting, but I know that no one plays it that way.
So, any reversion to that is 100% GM-screwing. If the summoner is 'mistreating' spirits (whatever that means), let them resist with Edge; don't suddenly break the magic system.
Mistreating-
Spirits find being disrupted agonizing and frequently object to being sent into positions where disruption is likely. P. 92 SM
Spirits dislike spell binding and will grow reluctant to aid a magician who abuses the spirit this way. P. 187 SR4a
Spirits can be the target of mental manipulation to get free services, but this sours the spirit toward the magician. FAQ
Even something as simple as asking a water based spirit to put out a fire while in their physical form can upset a spirit. P. 186 SR4a
How spirits resist:
Spirits will use Edge to resist summoning if there is a large power discrepancy or if the magician has a reputation for mistreating spirits. P. 95 SM
The spirit may use Edge to resist, complain or become insulting, make tasks that would not normally count as services count as services. FAQ
A spirit is fully capable of understanding a caster's intent, but they're also very intelligent and capable of refusing to do anything until you explicitly make it out as a service. P. 95 SM (in reference to a spirit that feels it being mistreated refusing to hand you a soda, until it's made a service)
Spirits should be treated like NPCs (and usually very intelligent ones) not tools. P.188 SR4a I don't think anyone would freak out about any other NPCs screwing over the team or misleading them.
So while it does not explicitly allow it, it's not just GM-screwing to have a spirit act out against its master. Its not something I would just drop in randomly, or that I've ever even done in a game. There would be a build up and some indication that the spirits are getting pissed off first. It can also lash out against its master this without misinterpreting or being very literal. For example, complaining loudly about how long the run is taking while you're trying to sneak in.