A lot of assumption in that comment as Elites are not equal to Spartans, they are a footsoldier in the Covenant army, and we have not had a good look at the Covenant as of yet, so we cannot say that they are just re-skinned units. For all we know, Covenant could have less troops, but they are much more expensive.
Plus, where has the flood being playable been basically confirmed?
I know you are expecting some witty remark, something funny that is usually found in some signature. Well stop looking because you won't find one here.