Hey MR!
I agree with pretty much everything you've said, the writing of this one was terribly sub-par, with the only goal being to manouver Sam into make that dreadful little speech at the end.
I also think you're being overly generous with Hilton. I think she believes she's a minor goddess in her own right, but she was adequate in this role, and seeing her severed head on the ground was made of win.
As for an Emmy for Jensen Ackles, sign me up! He's always been overlooked and I wish that "academy" would open their eyes and finally realise how great he is.