I don't know if it's just me, but I have big problem watching people lie and coming out looking like a good guy, and because "Earthquake" is centered around lies, I had a very uneasy feeling while watching. None of the lies are detrimental per se--the message of the episode being that lying is sometimes okay--but having a birds-eye view from the living room, watching Phil lie to Claire and then scramble around to fix his mistakes didn't make me feel good. Would it be so bad if Phil owned up to his mistake?
Likewise, would it be so bad for Mitchell and Cam to tell their friend Pepper the truth? I mean, everyone's going be miserable at Pepper's party the next time. If they told him the truth, everyone would be happier, including Pepper who wouldn't have to put tons of money and effort into planning the next party.
Jay and Manny's plot didn't involve lying but a discussion about a subject which has no definitive truth, skipping church. It's pretty clear how the writers feel about the subject and they end up on the golf course.
Looking over some comments online, I don't really see anyone else who has a problem with the lying, so I guess it's a personal problem of mine.
Score: 8.4/10
