In general, I am highly disappointed with the 6th season of this venerable show (something I've covered in a review of an earlier episode).
The writers Fritzell and Greenbaum are especially famous for penning so many excellent episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. They also wrote some nice episodes for this series (especially during the 4th season). Given the state of other 6th season episodes, I'd have to say that their writing saved this one from being more boring.
It was workable and functional as a somewhat successful episode; but I still found myself saying, "so what?" at the end. I would not have given it 7 stars if other writers had presented this script.
Thank you Fritzell and Greenbaum for saving this one.