What Germany gains if von Spee returns before the war

Recalling von Spee before the First World War preserves not only his ships but an experienced commander and highly trained crews who could influence both wartime raiding and the interwar navy.

Question

How different would events be if Admiral von Spee had been recalled before the First World War?

Short answer

Germany would recover an experienced, inventive commander and highly trained crews, with possible effects on cruiser operations and interwar naval leadership.

Notes

Personnel would be Germany's largest gain. Von Spee's rank, political connections, experience, and inventive temperament could place him in a significant command role, while his trained crews would strengthen the fleet immediately. If given independent cruisers, he might also conduct aggressive raids; survival into the postwar period could make him an important leader in rebuilding German naval thought.