whereas Firefly merely had a fanatical (🖐️) fan base
Whereas if Fox hadn't royally screwed up Firefly's production and release, it would easily have been "popular and successful". Feels like apples and oranges to me.
However, I do agree that Lower Decks is a great show and cancellation makes little sense to me as well. But Strange New Worlds also is a great show, including the artistic license (which I'll be the one to say "Subspace Rhapsody" was amazing, I don't care what anyone says) and I'm happy it is continuing.
You're correct. That is an unpopular opinion.