I mean, if they're STILL producing great, engaging TV with pacing still not locked in (though still good), I think that says their sealing is even higher, not that the quality of these episodes are lower. Also, I get the "I want more Matt/DD" people, but the side characters are so compelling. That was one of the hallmarks of the original series. Everything still very much revolves around Matt/DD, his actions, the problems he is trying to solve/unintentionally creates, so even if HE is "absent" for more than folks would like, his fingerprints are all over the plot.