Complete disagreement.

TOS was a space-set Wagon Train where a roster of stock characters behaved like high-tech cowboys rather than the military officers they were supposed to be. Averagely written (except in two notable cases) and with a total lack of talented actors. Its success derived from its combination of familiar formula with unusual setting and its shameless American exceptionalism.

TNG and its successors sold their birthright for a pot of message - elderly Captain, woman doctor, Black Chief Engineer, android and Klingon on the bridge. Look people, we got ourselves a diverse crew solving social and environmental issues in a non-violent way. We also got the Borg (not at all a cheap knock-off of the Cybermen, honest) to show that technology and consumption are EVIL!

The best thing about Star Trek is that it provides the dull background agaisnt which the real gems can shine.

Doctor Who, which proves that good writing and an actual original idea can overcome a shoestring budget.

Blakes' 7, which is Star Trek as it should have been in many ways. The Federation as a fascist dictatorship. The brilliant but sociopathic Avon - Spock as he should have been!

Babylon 5, need I say more about this all-time classic?

The only other thing Star Trek gave us was the Hogwarts Three!

So if the franchise is disappearing up its own aresehole, it's only because it started out with its' head up there, anyway!