I totally see what you're saying. Maybe I just have a soft spot for Vic because he reminds me of my favorite teacher in high school.
"It's Only a Paper Moon" is one of my favorite episodes. Just one of the many instances where great writing and acting made all the difference between a lame holodeck episode and a true classic. Aron Eisenberg outdid himself in that episode. Nog's breakdown at the end still makes me all emotional and ridiculous.