Even though this wasn't my favorite episode, yes, it does simply blow away all the new shows, enjoyable as some of them are.
I love the new ending, music and image. The new OP doesn't grab me right away, but it is definitely quality music and has a similar art style to the old one, so I have hopes my enjoyment may grow.
As for having naked bishies in the ED, there's already a hint of that appeal. All the humans in the ED looked good to me. Why can't both sexes be sexy?
As for the dropped week,
Shoboi Calendar confirms it: ep13 on 28 October.