I think you have to have some ability, even if it's just a little, to allow yourself to go back to that era and experience it from that point of view.
When I watch old time movies that have special effects, for example, I like to imagine what it was like for the audience seeing it for the first time. It had to be amazing for them. Movies like King Kong probably brought out far more of an 'amazed' reaction from audiences than even the best special effects of today bring out in us.
Same with plots... I agree with your opinion on the episodes you mentioned... but I'm not put off by them.
Some things from those days of old I like better than the way they make movies these days. Dialog, audible dialog.... and not just because I'm hard of hearing. Back then they were transitioning from stage to screen so actors were quite flamboyant in movies.
I think on film that plays well. Today I believe they've gone too far the other direction... I think now they are 'forced' to mumble, speak in whispers, in the belief that it's more 'real'.... and I don't agree with that. It's no more 'real' than the more over the top delivery of old. - JamesJM