For the guys who are there right now, what is the attitude like? Are they instructors "better" than some of the IP's you are very likely to run into during primary?
The IPs are fine. The sim instructors on the other hand are world (in)famous. There's a youtube video someone posted here a while back that has a clip of one of them in action.
What are the briefs like compared to primary?
It tends to be less of an inquisition than primary.
As far as expectations go in the cockpit, what is it like compared to primary? Do you get scolded for making the common student mistakes? I know these are very generic questions but i'm just nervous in anticipation just like just like all you probably were when you were in my shoes. I'm just looking to find out what I should expect and how to best prepare myself to do well.
If you did well enough to get here, you'll be fine. Just show up prepared like you did in primary. You start with BIs then RIs here, which has the benefit that you're not expected to know everything about the jet right off the bat. By the time you get to Fams, you'll have figured most of the big stuff out, so you just have to learn to fly.
Once you start ground school, you can get practice sims. Get all the practice sims you can, then do some more. You can never do too many. Ground school lasts a long time (5 weeks, IIRC). Drink a lot of caffeine. You'll need it when Mr. K. is 2 hours into a 1 hour lecture.
Welcome to Meridian. It's not the nicest place but neither is Kingsville. You'll be glad you're flying Charlies.
P.S. Don't live on the lake.