Keeping in mind that most anime are designed for TV and rarely run sequential episodes back-to-back, most of the time a brief flash back or two is needed to quickly inform new viewers whats going on and why in the hope that they will keep watching and/or buy the series. Sometimes I find myself even needing flashbacks, especially in long anime series where several characters undergo big changes. Keeping up with the time line is sometimes hard. In regard to lengthy fights in many series; yes a 4 episodes duel in Yugioh is a bit long and a 6 epsiode fight between Goku and pretty much most DBZ villan is fairly common, but isnt that what sets anime apart from cartoons??
Based on your description, I would recommend: Chobits Haibane Renmei The Girl Who Lept Through Time Haven't seen this next one, but it by the same buy that created Love Hina. Its called "Negima! Magister Negi Magi"
30 day of no anime would provie an opportunity for me to catch up on about 6 yrs worth of sleep and a few good Raymond E. Feist and Brian Jaques novels.
My sis has been bugging me to download this series for ages and right now iv downloaded 96% of the Japanesy version only to find out she wanted it in English. /facepalm