I think that sounds really cool actually, a good tool for introducing more backstory. Especially good for those of us who still want them to explain how everything got started. (I disagree that this is irrelevant to the story)
I didn't read the source for this, but it seems likely we will still see this episode at some point. Maybe it was already even shot and they are just working on re-ordering the episodes.
Like the Fringe Fall finale was originally supposed to be the kick-butt action packed episode airing tonight, but it got pushed back due to the World Series, so they went with something much less compelling.