The single statement that defines "Seinfeld" can be summed up in this,
"Did you ever notice..."
The show's origins are based on recognition humor. Basically, Jerry and Larry David wanted to portray how Jerry got material for his standup by relating surreal, but believable, real life experiences. That's where the opening monologue set up the premise of what the viewer was going to see. To tell you the truth, this and last seasons' storylines have gotten totally away from Jerry's brand of comedy. To wit:
What Everyman(or woman) can relate to: waiting in restaurants, wandering through parking garages, waiting for a ride from dull parties, ugly babies, pee stains on furniture, the tension/relief of onanism, flying first class vs. coach, shirts that go through laundry in just the right way, running out of toilet paper, staring a little too long at cleavage, and many other situations that were the 1989-1994 "Seinfeld."
What Everyman cannot relate to: blood used as engine lubricant, deals and "little surgical equipment" for squirrels, talk show sets in their living rooms, bellybuttons that go "Helloooo", late-night show animal experts in their living rooms, and other inane suppositions that have (thankfully) passed my memory.
I understand that whining about plots is getting annoying to this newsgroup. So I propose we stop criticizing the writing and shift blame on the "Seinfeld" modus operandi. Remember "The Junior Mint?" That situation was gso over-the-top, yet the show is considered a classic by Seinfeld "purists." Why? Because it started off innocently and progressed to a point of hilarity. If that plot were put in use this season, Kramer would've dropped the chocolate at the beginning of the show and we would've sat through the remaining 27 minutes with Kramer probably chasing the recovering patient around, asking for his candy back.
So my two key factors for the show's future success: winsome realism and subtle buildup.