I wasn't aware that there was a significant backlash to the reveal that the Mare-Do-Well wasn't Derpy, but if this is true, I am very disappointed in the brony fanbase.
A huge part of the fandom is focused on background ponies, which is understandable due to the Darkhorse effect, but some people take it too far. The point of background ponies is that they are in the background. They're not in the spotlight, but it's obvious that they still lead interesting lives offscreen. If they are suddenly brought forward, it ruins the formula.
The creators of this show didn't get where they are by pandering to the fanbase. Derpy will never be more than an easter egg, doing silly things in the background. There will never be an episode focusing on her or any other background character.
To be fair, I do believe this reviewer was speaking of... well, anything that isn't primarily the ponies we're so familiar with. Trust me, I wasn't looking forward to any background ponies becoming the main heroes in the story, but it would have been nice to either introduce a new character to the show, or reprise an old one that everyone's familiar with. Also, while I don't discourage the use of background characters in the show as it would add a sense of depth to have townfolk with personalities, I do agree with you that it wouldn't be very likely; Jayson Thiessen said himself that there wouldn't be any direct stabs at the fandom.
I agree with the actual review for the most part. I assume we're all really just expecting more now that Faust has stepped down, and their still almost easing back into the skins of the characters. However, the episode still came across as a large disappointment for me, and I would hope to see the show shaping up from here on out, especially if they want to stay alive after the departure of the figurehead of the production.
I think the problem is that the lesson wasn't very complex. It basically boiled down to "don't be arrogant." And this resulted in a less complex characterization of RD than many would have wanted. So it wasn't very affecting or emotional at all.
So yes, I agree with the review. It was an adequate episode, but overall it's very flat and uninteresting.
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I think I've figured it out
(Possible spoilers if you haven't seen the episode yet)
I think I know what the problem is with this season so far. Oh, we've had some great episodes so far, but we've also had some mediocre episodes that, while not terrible, or even bad, and adding some much-needed character development, just aren't as good.
The thing is, the 'mediocre' episodes, such as this one, don't feel any different from the good ones.
I think I've figured out why: We've set our expectations absurdly high. We've been wanting more from the background ponies, especially Derpy Hooves/Ditzy Doo, and were expecting one of them to be the mysterious heroine. In hindsight, it should have been obvious what the resolution for this particular episode should have been. After all, what are friends for if not bringing you down to Earth when you get too full of yourself? (And besides, it's Rainbow Dash. She collects Break The Haughty moments like the Cutie Mark Crusaders collect Epic Fail after Epic Fail.)
That being said, while the resolution should pretty much be obvious about halfway through the show, it wasn't that bad. It had some cute moments, and some utterly silly moments, maintaining the overall cheerful feel of the show. Plus, Rarity proves her epic sense of style yet again in the design of the Mare Do Well costume. I loved the 'Darkwing Duck' feel of it.
After Discord, the bar was set quite high. Heck, after the first season, the bar was set high. While this wasn't the best episode, it wasn't a bad one. And taken on its own merits, quite enjoyable.