If I didn't know better, I'd say the writers suddenly started reading this forum (amongst others) and were actually taking the suggestions on board!
The glimpse of the suit, Clark being more decisive, a decent hero/villain fight in the finale, Lois finding out, and now Chloe leaving......?
Alison Mack has done a very capable job for 9 seasons but there's definitely a love/hate relationships amongst many of the show's fans when it comes to her. I personally don't dislike her role in the show, but I do feel recently that Chloe has been hindering Clark a bit and I think they've really done all they can with her character.