I personally love a good strong A-plot. When mixed well with a B-plot, you have something similar (or exactly) a "lost episode". It's great seeing something similar to what you'd see in one episode, especially if it's longer than what you could fit into 45-ish minutes. So please, don't stop writing them!
I think the influence is a circle of sorts. The writers influence the Kerths, which influence the writers. The Kerths show off trends that may not otherwise be noticable, and provide ideas.