Cosby's OFITG rip off was pure trash (the only laughs he can sustain are with phsyical comedy and that's not something Wilson needs to do. Wilson usually has a better and more cleverly written script to work with) but you've got to remember that most viewers of this show have never seen the original OFITG. In fact the networks are marketing his show as an original concept. It's clearly not and he doesn't have the skills that Richard Wilson has.
Also, where are people talking about the new shows? I saw a piece saying that Pearl was going to fail. I don't think so. I think Malcom McDowell will hold that together. He seems to be well cast in the role of the "mean" and sarcastic teacher. I predict Brooke Shields to be a flop in terms of quality but people will buy any crap that NBC shove down their throat. NBC are going to be committing a lot of resources to this show. Shields doesn't have the sex appeal to pull off this role IMHO.
I think the hits are going to be Spin City, Pearl in terms of quality but I'm sure ratings wise Cosby and Shields are going to do well because their audiences don't know any better. It's formula television made for stupid people.
*NOTE: I'm posting to seinfield/friends because I think that represents a group of NBC viewers. I'd like to know what group applies to discussion about all the new shows.