Oh, there is no proof about anything on the Internet. That's exactly why discussion should stick to merits or flaws of a game with any remark about players being "payers" or not, being completely irrelevant considering the nature of the site. This should be the last place where someone's opinion holds somehow more "validity" because they are a Patreon.
To go back on topic, filler content in media serves the purpose to stretch the show/movie/book series, usually with the intention of more financial return. It wouldn't be a crazy assumption to think the same happens here. Although I have to disagree with some, that filler content is by default bad content. I enjoyed most of the new episode because even if it was filler, it was done well.