While I recognize Nick was in a difficult position, his decision really doesn't sit well with me. Yes, he earned immunity. (Which, shouldn't be offered this late in the game and definitely not in a team challenge.) But, he was unwilling to compromise when his team (Stephanie) expressed concerns about his dish knowing…

I didn't take this as a negative comment at all.

Definitely not! I feel like it's now just a part of his character description to be the weakest link.

So…Lucy no longer has anxiety? She can now go to Cheesecake Factory, meet guys at coffee shops, and have a boyfriend?

While Ray and Debra weren't constantly going at it, there were episodes in which they had sex and even entire episodes in which they plot revolved their sex life (Frank Goes Downstairs, Halloween Candy)

I actually think The One Where Nana Dies Twice is just the exception. The episodes I can think of that aren't at Monica's place are all pretty great - Vegas, Barbados, London, and some other random episodes which mostly take place in someone else's apartment - The One Where Ross is Fine, The One With the Apothecary…

I'm admittedly obsessed with this show and have seen the entire series through dozens of times.

I don't see how Jill Goodacre not being super famous is an issue at all. Joey and Chandler clearly know who she is and she's obviously out of Chandler's league. That's what matters here.

I think she's great as Carol, but I get why you're seeing her that way. She's played the evil-stepmom in a few different things and does it well.

The characters most certainly maintained the characteristic defined in this episode throughout the series. The characteristic may have shifted slightly as they matured (ie: Monica eventually marries but struggles with infertility. Though she found a partner her ultimate dream was not achieved until final episode.)