I think you may be overanalyzing it. Sometimes artist might have a lazy week, comic idea is less refined or thought out, just quick thoughts drawn on paper to keep on schedule.

It just happens when you yourself or external factors such as funding set deadlines.

Sometimes an art piece you yourself thought very good just doesn’t hit for others.

Look at iconic comics like Garfield, Peanuts, whatever, not every strip is a stroke of genius - some are plain bad