Same. The beginning of the 3rd season was disappointing, but from Jeremy Bearimy on, it got its groove back.
Regarding the canon pitch, I'm a big Community fan. I'm in the middle of my Nth rewatch, and I own seasons 1-3 on DVD. But even I wouldn't have voted this episode into the canon. Pierce is obviously not missed, but I'm not sure any episode without Troy is truly canon. If I were brave enough to record myself giving a pitch, I'd submit either Epidemiology, Remedial Chaos Theory, or Basic Lupine Urology. (I think the L&O spoof would work well for our hosts.) Contemporary American Poultry, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, and Pillows & Blankets might stand a chance too.