The only reason this episode is considered a good one is because of the huge Maud's fan base that meets the dark-gothic standard that Americans love so much.
Mudbriar is a detestable character from start to finish, although Limestone's message may seem nice on the surface, the reality is that it simply doesn't apply in this case, many will think that it was some kind of ruse so that Pinkie would finally understand, what how their friends felt when they first met Maud, but it's one thing to be down-to-earth and another to just be hateful.
Maybe my perception is biased from similar relationships that I've seen end horribly, but simply empathizing with Pinkie before evangelizing her is the right thing to do.