Yeah. it’s definitely an awkward choice. On the one hand, I don’t like taking things out that are officially good™. But here, maybe pacing and efficiency is gooder™?
It is probably worth preserving if the episode was split in 2, perhaps like the Cad Bane arc. But taking into account the full 3-part arc, I don’t think the overall action or pacing of the story is any worse by cutting it. Personally I’m fine whether it’s kept or removed, but there are my 2 cents.