Frontier was also popular by this point in time- and I'd argue for different reasons. I didn't deny that the series isn't popular- it's popular for different reasons from Frontier and certainly not because of story line as it is more about fan service.
By this time the Frontier plot was going at a great pace and had major events unfolding. Michel's death and plot devices coupled with great music and action. Here we get another pointless filler episode that could have been done better and no real unfolding of the story line again.
Transformer movies by Michael Bay are popular- does that mean it's good?
Anyone and everyone can like the series all they want- doesn't absolve it of any criticism which I think is merited. Certainly could be improved- series feels rushed and disjointed.