I don't think it's a coincidence that Gimple and/or Kirkman have been on guests on three of the four Talking Dead shows that have aired so far this season (together after Ep1, Gimple on again following Ep2 & Kirkman was on after Ep4). It sounds like they were aware of the criticism about the way they handled the end of Season 6 and the way Season 7 dragged after Negan was introduced. I think they wanted to start this season off with a bang and this was the best way to do it. I can get what they're trying to do.
Unfortunately, I don't think it was executed particularly well. Gaping plot holes were exposed; hell, the "why didn't they just Negan" thing was asked by Hardwick himself to Gimple. Certain moments that could have been much more poignant -