Im pretty sure Shades Of Grey was because of a writers strike or somethinI thought Clemons was a stereotypical bumpkin and Offenhouse was a stereotypical greedy jerk. That being said, Picard and especially Riker were condescending jerks themselves through most of the episode.
I agree that I'm glad it improved from there.
I will say, "The Neutral Zone" wasn't the worst season finale that the show produced. That dubious honor goes to season 2s "Shades Of Grey", which is just a preposterous clip show and one of the worst episodes ever produced.