So, I saw the pilot today. I'm one of those who thought DSC season 1 was a good start and then hated season 2 (it was utter madness, with magic time travelling suits and Star Wars style battles, along with some of the worst dialog ever committed to a Star Trek production - "yum, yum"). I also found Picard to be very average, and a wasted opportunity. So, maybe I am one of the 'negative people'.
I thought Lower Decks was excellent. Everything the other two series could and should have been. It respects the previous shows and demonstrates that the design ethic didn't need updating. Klingons look like Klingons and it just feels like the Star Trek that I knew and loved. It also felt modern and current. Was it perfect....No. Are any of the series perfect? No. I didn't like the use of modern vernacular, but I can see how the show benefits from it, as there were some funny parts. Dial the humour back a liiiiitle bit and smooth over some of the broad characterisation and this would make for a fantastic live action show. This really does fit with the Prime timeline, in a way that DSC just doesn't and overall, I just found this show a delight. Looking forward to getting it here in the UK.