I didn't mind it too much. I read a quote somewhere once (I forget where, maybe one of the writers discussing the show?) which said something along the lines of "The sonic is for opening doors and moving the Doctor towards the trouble, not for getting him out of it." which I think is a good way to use it. I mean it did get them away from the shooty bug guys, but it moved them along to the bigger trouble and he didn't use it to solve the whole episode so I think it still works!