Don't get too eager. I really enjoy Emissary, it's probably my favourite Trek pilot, but the rest of the first season has very little to do with it and can be quite tough to get through. If you can enjoy the entire first season then you'll be an even bigger fan than many of the big DS9 fans.
I'd say that DS9's first season isn't necessarily tough, just that in comparison to the rest of the series it looks bad. Season 1 is still fairly enjoyable as little episodic stories like in the rest of 90's Star Trek. They're just like middle of the road TNG/VOY episodes with a new set of characters. If people enjoy stuff like Season 3 TNG/VOY then DS9 Season 1 should be no problem.
