I think this show has characters that are supposed to be irritating. i.e. Larry's cousin, Richard Lewis, etc. It's something for Larry to work off of. It's an (exagerrated) realism.
Ok..so what are you guys saying...you like the show OTHER than Richard Lewis's participation ? Or you DON'T like the show because of his participation ?
I wouldn't narrow it down into such a narrow period. Somewhere around 1970 or in the early 70s does it for me - and I agree...MUCH greatness before and after.