Looking at this episode now is definitely more comfortable. If only because visually you can just not be distracted by the quality difference. Does show how much of a low Houtarou hit after the previous arc and how everyone needed to make a move in order to snap him out of it. Everyone had their own way of putting it, but while it was the first message I do think Chitanda's was one of the stronger ones. In the end personal opinions really are the important ones. If the people around you care and think of you as someone special that's a good place to be.
He just needed some help pulling himself back to normal. They did a good job continuing to push even when he was in a state where it wouldn't be easy to approach him.
Of course also a bonus being able to appreciate the fanservice more in now
.