From a writer's POV, I think they ignored Elephant #1 on purpose. BOY, did I need a break from the brother angst! As a watcher (and a fan), I've become so frustrated and weary of the fighting that I, personally, needed a break from it. A moment to breathe and remember why I love this show. So I think putting their issues on the backburner for one episode was a very good thing. :)

Sam had every right to be harsh to Crowley; I don't think the guy has come even slightly close to earning Sam's trust and kindness. Crowley is always out for Crowley. PERIOD. Sam knows this, hence the harshness. Makes sense to me. And I suspect Sam whispering that bit about killing Crowley at the end was just a clumsy device the Show used to remind us, the viewer, that they need to kill Crowley. The King of Hell would've pulled the same stunt whether or not Sam had said that aloud. It wasn't Sam being stupid (IMHO), but the writing being kinda heavy-handed. AND GOODNESS KNOWS SUPERNATURAL IS NEVER HEAVY HANDED. *cough*

I enjoyed this ep more than I have a good long while! The boys not recognizing Enochian and Jensen's odd lip acting were the only things I sorta balked at, but only a teensy bit. Good stuff, overall! Pleasantly surprised. :D