You definitely hit the nail on the head with the pressure from the networks to be a hit right away. You need to give a show time to find it's audience, not just shove it down people's throats and pull the plug if it's not an instant hit.
I disagree with you on the Office though. I like how they're using the other locations so far. It is all kind of logical stuff. And particularly the Dwight/Michael at Dwight's speech part. It made sense for the two of them to be away on business. I think that they can continue to do this going forward. Don't take everyone someplace, but take a few people. Realistically, you see your co-workers outside of work from time to time. Happy hours, parties, business trips, etc...