I don't mind any of the tiny changes, it still hit all the right emotional beats & had the most fleshed out backstory so far. The Zoro & Usopp ones looked like a fan project using some cosplay costumes, with little to no weight in their brief histories. This one felt a lot more fully-realized, and Zeff's actor was easily the best of the group.
That's probably what really sold it, Zeff actually coming across like a father figure to Sanji. I don't care that everything wasn't 1:1, they nailed the heart & emotional stakes involved. And for once, the characters felt grounded in this world. Sanji's & Zeff's goodbyes were the closest this show has gotten to a genuine touching moment.
As for Arlong, he was well done but his henchmen looked goofy. I get wanting to shoot everything in-camera, but sometimes I see the costumes & fx of this show & wonder where the hell the massive budget went. Yes, the pacing overall is still pretty fast, and this DEFINITELY should've been at least a 10 episode season (Netflix's obsession with these paltry episode counts is really becoming its achilles heal), but this episode managed to get through the necessary plot elements while still getting you invested in the characters.
Side Note: Sanji is the first character aside from Luffy that really looks like their anime/manga counterpart imo. The others are "close enough," but their costumes/wigs/other looks don't really feel authentic. Sanji actually looks like his hair is natural, and not something dyed or glued on.
Anyway, really good episode. Best or 2nd best episode so far (along with the previous one).