I got to stop you there I am a Deep Space Nine Fan myself and Next Gen is pretty good but it was pretty whack the first 2 seasons. it was not until season 3 where they finally hit there stride and started to get good.
yeah I got to go with you on this one
About to finish season 5 of DS9
( Watch a few episodes a day while on the treadmill)
That 6 year single story arc " the dominion war" ( even though it was mentioned in the first season)
Fully developed bad guys and they have episodes that are dedicated to their point of view
Hell, fully developed Characters overall and since the it was basically one over arching story-line, every decision made by every character had consequences.
Not following the typical star trek formula.
Tackling religion
Black excellence ( Avery Brooks) chewing up scenery as the Commander, then Captain
Showing the seedier side of the federation
I was like OP , I initially thought TNG was the best Star trek out there
But a buddy of mine turned me onto this and the Battlestar Galactica reboot.