I appreciate the long answer - this is supposed to be a space for discussion!
I appreciate your perspective, too - I think if there's a difference in our perspectives, it might be that I prefer to see aspiration through struggle. The TNG "sunny ways" were fine for its time, but I think it's more meaningful - especially in the times we're living through - to portray the eternal vigilance and struggle to get to the Federation "utopia" (I kind of hate that word, but you know what I mean) - and to maintain it once you've got it.
Okay, I enjoyed it as a breezy action movie.
I had a goofy grin on my face for much of the first act - it had style, which sort of fell away over time, which was unfortunate.
The Georgiou story is by far the strongest aspect of the movie - long-lost lover seeking revenge isn't the most original of plots, but it's executed well enough, and Michelle Yeoh is pretty terrific as expected. I particularly liked her line about a monster with a conscience being useless.
The middle act probably should have been simplified. The mole storyline was a distraction that prevented us from getting to know the new characters, and every single one of them suffers for it. Garrett's storyline needed more meat, and I would have appreciated more time spent with Alok beyond just the exposition of his backstory. Quasi skates by on Sam Richardson's considerable charm alone.
All in all, I think the movie is worth the time, even if no one's going to call it "deep" any time soon. I'd certainly be interested in watching them go to Turkana IV.
RIP Zeph. You were too beautiful for this world.