Considering your first argument, I have to agree ,especially after I´ve watched this episode for the second time. I´m quite convinced there wasn´t meant to be a clear winner. Anyways, we´ll just have to like it or lump it!
But I disagree with you when it comes to your second argument:
During Ash´s battle in the Battle Factory with Charizard against Articuno, it was stated that ice-type didn´t do any damage to fire -type Pokemon! Well, whereas this again contradicts the Orange episode when a Poliwrath actually froze Charizard...hmmm, weird..
Nevertheless, a great episode which ,apart from the weird battle, was again a pleasure to watch !
Let's not forget who was dubbing the show at the time...
The episode with the cake making Pikachu from early DP was by far the worst filler so far this saga.
God that episode sucked.
Took me a little while to figure out which episode you were referring to; Cooking a Sweet Story.
Personally, I didn't think it was that bad. Sure, many predictable things happen, but I found some comedy involved. Though, if one can think that somehow Team Rocket is involved with the "leak", then well the rest isn't nearly as fun. Of course, the overused "hot/cold" technique seemed a bit out of place.
You know something, after seeing this episode, it's quite official: we're never going to find out why Kenny/Leona calls Dawn Dede.
And another thing, Badabing badaboom, it's-a me Mario! We know this thing is made by Nintendo, but this is just too much.
Though, I did find the short story-esque thing rather entertaining.
At least next episode's supposed to be better.
~C_L~