

I think one thing to add here is that spock was considered somewhat of an outsider with his half human hereditary. It’s likely his use of the practice was part of his wider view of things. Also the reputation of mind melds may have improved via spocks reports and his strong character.
Its very likely that Spock had to grow up with his own view of what it meant to be Vulcan. They have drifted over time and he likely fastened to what he felt best represents the best of them. It’s notable that he was a paragon of vurtue where as broadly some others didn’t quite fit as well. Also he may have conveyed (without lying as such) a different view of things to the rest of the tos crew. Mostly they only had his version of things.