Funny enough, technically you can get more points with spouse than without (of course in case of perfect language skills + second language and at least Master degree).@h1b2pr When I had created my profile I was planning to move alone and once settled will bring my family through sponsorship. While I was getting all the documentation, medicals, PCC etc completed, I was researching on the process of bringing family later and found it is really a hectic and long process. I then decided that they will join me and the application also allowed me to change that detail with my application active. I also did not think it would be a problem as I was not adding any points for my spouse so my score should have no impact. Later on Jan 24 I read in a thread that someone's score went down if they choose Spouse accompanying. I decided to verify that and when I calculated the CRS by choosing the options Spouse accompanying vs Spouse not accompanying, the score did go down. I was landing at 445 but the Invitation I got was cut-off at 446. That would mean rejection later. Hence declined and created profile again with 445 Spouse accompanying. It was really frustrating to see that having accompanying spouse was reducing points from Age factor, Foreign experience factor, Education factor as well as Canadian experience factor. Overall 30 points reduced. Still not too bad as 445 should come good in upcoming draws.
You have lost so many points only because you did not have any document ready (that is language assessment for your spouse and ECA as well).
Again, it will be needed most of it later in Canada (ECA will be needed rather fast for job seeking and Language test is needed later for citizenship).
And why ECA for job search? Many companies have internal rules these days, where they want to see your diploma assessed to the Canadian diploma in order to recognize it.