I guess I'm a "newer generation" fan because I'm only 22. But the way I've come to understand it is arguing over what is canon and what is not in Star Trek is borderline nonsense because even official Star Trek media doubles back on its own established canon. From day one they made it up as the shows went along.
As long as people enjoy it and you're having fun, why should it matter what's part of the timeline and what's not? Just let people enjoy things they like, it's not hard.
Hope for the future, this young one is.