These elements were already used by other authors before the new editorial regime
Ed S. has been part of the "Star Trek" editorial team for many years. He edited numerous "New Frontier" novels while Marco was busy with DS9 and Margaret was concentrating on non fiction tie-ins.
For the record, Ed has been editing Star Trek novels since at least 2005. He took over editing my Khan books after John Ordover departed. So he's not exactly "new."
Yes, but he only recently reached the top of the 'food chain', gaining the authority to impose his vision on the 24th century trek lit continuity.