If you have too many episodes you will obviously start running out of fresh ideas, The Simpsons are well out of fresh ideas. It's best to cut a show early then never.
Yes. I think Family Guy, American Dad, and Cleveland show have this issue too. It's all the same.
Edit: I know how the episodes were all purposely hurricane themed, but I looked beyond that. They're all about the father, talking pets who are considered a character, stupid child, smartass child, etc...