I remember these episodes really striking a chord with me, because I realized I was going a similar route as Stan. I've become very opinionated, and also quite judging on other people's opinions. Since then I do feel like I've lost touch with some people just because if they try to talk to me about something I have a tendency to shoot it down somehow if I really feel it needs to be shot down.
I honestly don't know how much better I've gotten, but I have tried to be more patient with people and look hard at their own points of views while keeping skeptical of my own. I am firm in the opinions I have, but I'm not afraid to think over them once in awhile to both feel secure in them, and to challenge them.
Stan became my favorite character after this arc. Who knew South Park actually had the capability of being so compelling?