Because the show is called Picard - they will come up with a reason why this is the case - if it makes sense...well...
Well, it's a wild speculation thread, then let's put my thinking as a wild speculation, too; whether it makes sense or not.
Ro pretty easily could have fulfilled the role of Raffi+Rios. In fact, Raffi's background was constructed so broadly similar to that of Ro (considered Picard a mentor, troubled past before him, had a fall from grace again later) that I kind of wonder if she was originally supposed to be Ro.
Not every member of Maquis was killed by the dominion. It's also possible she was captured by the Federation before the Maquis were wiped out.
The Great Link has been infested/infected by Conspiracy Parasites (or other malevolent force) which explains why the Founder’s look ill and also why in their *gelatinous* liquid ‘metal’ like state they now look like the meat slurry resulting from high pressure hosing the gristle off of a cow carcass which is about to be reformed in to McDonald’s Big Mac patties. This may also explain Picard Jnr’s veiny visions.
So Jack Crusher is the Root/Cause/central plot mystery because? is Jack Crusher a Human/Changeling hybrid? is Jack Crusher the Changelings only hope for "healing" (sick meatpaste) for reasons...? Vadic is an meatpaste changeling unwilling "soldier" following orders from ??? imagine the uproar if S2 and S3 all would be simulation for Golem/Android-whatever Picard after he dies/dies in S1... the it was just a dream-scenario...
Jack is half-prophet. A prophet possessed Beverly, took Jean-Luc to bed, then left her body, at which point sickened over the whole ordeal and not quite sure what happened, Beverly ran off. The changelings knowing very well what the last half-prophet did to them are going to deal with Jack before he becomes the new Sisko.
Possible major spoiler for next episode. Take of it what you want - could be untrue. Spoiler This reddit post says Michelle Forbes will be in episode 5. Also regarding Jack Crusher, again grain of salt but for those interested. Spoiler I have it from someone that the Borg Queen is the one trying to contact him when he has his ‘visions’. This person also was correct about the Vadic reveal last episode.
I am sure that the Borg would have some form of reverence for the son of Locutus. They may even see Jack as some form of ‘messiah’ if they have developed a cult or religion since Janeways decimation of the Collective and it’s resulting collapse? The ex Collective Borg may want Jack in their Collaborative to lead them like a Borg King? Of course the *real* Borg are still around, though I believe that they’re probably operating at about 10% of what they once were since the events of Endgame.
Spoiler: Spoiler If there was one character I’d want to see this time around it would be Ro Laren. Can you tell us what proof was provided? (I don’t want to get anyone or the board in trouble so I want ask for it to actually be posted.) Also can’t wait to hear what she’s been up to since “Preemptive Strike.”
Since this season is supposed to draw a great deal from The Wrath of Khan, Shaw is going to be the guy making the big WOK sacrifice to save the ship. Small Universe Syndrome ...
Absolutely not small universe syndrome, provided her introduction was similar to Raffi. That is to say, basically Picard saying "You know what, I don't want to go back to my old friends - let me contact this promising young ex-Starfleet officer with a troubled past who looked at me as a father figure, but who I had a relationship meltdown with in a spectacular way so she probably hates me now." It's normal for people to reach out to those who they know. What would be small universe syndrome is if Picard just happened to stumble into Ro despite neither party actually looking for the other. Actually, the introduction of both Seven and Hugh in Season 1 were pretty classic cases.
I think Spoiler Ro Laren is a decoy rumour for Major Kiras appearance which would make more sense considering the plot