I don't have an irrational hatred for filler. Sometimes it's nice to have a breather, or allow something to breathe. It was good to see Gohan going through some experiences that hardened him, instead of brushing over his training. Going from a sheltered crybaby to a hardened fighter is quite the transformation. Yeah, the filler isn't going to be a game changer but it can create more tension and make the moments feel earned.
Heck, even Piccolo's story in the manga feels abrupt. he goes from wanting to conquer the world to saving the son of his sworn enemy pretty abruptly. In DBZ, you can see him growing fond of Gohan. It's barely there in the manga. As a result, the moment where he saves gohan at the cost of his own life doesn't mean as much.
There's a balance to be struck. Some times there's way too much like in the Buu saga, or there's too little like in the manga.
