But I don't know anything about galge either and I enjoy this series quite a bit.
I'd put you into the former category. Even if you don't catch the references, you can still admire the show on its own merits.
The guys I'm talking about…they're the same kind of folks who stripped the Touhou franchise of its maniac shooter roots, the same ilk who made K-ON! and other moe anime popular. It annoys me greately that such low-caliber fans are entering discussion boards and raising the profile of this title, it reminds me of what happened to OP that made me hate the fanbase and killed a good chunk of my love for the manga.
I loved the anime, but it has also become one of my favorite mangas. I am caught up completely, btw. This goddess arc is the best in the story so far IMO. Seeing Keima stepping into reality a little to save Kanon is really improving on his character a lot, even if he is pretty much screwing 5 girls at the same time.
As you said, the Yui arc was particularly important for Keima's development. This one is significant in that Keima's own actions lead to Kanon getting stabbed, and the fact he feels some responsibility beyond his obligation to save Apollo really shows he's moving beyond his very black and white condemnation of 3D women.
! So… Any thoughts on what will happen with the other girl? Miyoki, I believe her name is?
Keima has to get rid of her to woo Ayumi.
She's friends with both Chihiro and Ayumi and thus would sabotage his efforts to two-time them if she was privvy to Keima's actions.