Actually, I'm quite relieved that they didn't include April. One less thing for them to fuck up.
The best point of view I've heard on this film came from RedLetterMedia's review. Specifically, this was not "the next Star Trek movie." This was yet another big movie remake of an old 60's tv show, with no real connection to that show beyond the title and the character names, and playing on all the tropes and gimmicks that the general public thinks were a part of the original show, but really weren't.
This time, they just happened to do it based on Star Trek.
As such, it has no bearing or impact upon the preexisting franchise, and in the end, is easily, and completely, disposable.
beep