Ha, I feel the same way. I've been surprised w/ so much praise for this season. I guess I'm out of sync w/ the majority of viewers.

Yup, you're right. Jensen Ackles did all his own fighting/stunt work in the fight scene (according to Kevin Parks on twitter)…. no stunt double used for Dean. Very impressive! That fight scene was just awesome! Looked great.
And yeah, that extra scruff… lookin' dark and dangerous and damn good. LOL!