Yes, this is something modern Trek has done very well, and it's similar to the message in Picard Season 1, which, to me, said "Even great societies can fall." That's what I think was happening with Starfleet in Picard and to the Federation in general. (Stunning writing in that season, led by...
Great review, and I agree that the fourth season was uneven, at best. The show often seems very repetitive, and has too many character moments that end in tears. It's become a bit of a joke, and I've heard people nickname this "the Crying Show."
I also have a problem with the premise...