At the risk of being repetitious, here’s another example of the difference between the indicative and the subjunctive.
Here’s the rule: The subjunctive is contrary to reality. Not true; hypothetical, if you will. With the indicative, you are presumably describing reality, in other words, the truth.
Dustin’s friend is not good with words, so the subjunctive, “were better” is correct. Too bad he didn’t get the girl.