No, I dont want TNG season 8, I want writing that isnt dumb and lazy. Which is what this was. They decided on no TNG reunion (thats fine) but that he should still turn to those he knows when in need. That makes sense. But it cant be TNG people because that is the off-screen decision. But they never bothered coming up with an in story reason for that.
Instead he cannot ask them because of course they would! Out of loyalty! Sooooo.....why is that a reason not to ask? That sounds like the perfect people to ask. He did not say "theyre too old" or "they dont have the right expertise". Then comes a line only said because the script says to say it. That he therefore needs people who hate him! Ummm...wut? No, that is definitely not who you need.
So he can ask people he knows to help, but he decides on Raffi and the Romulan nuns? What is Raffi's expertise? Being salty? He can ask her because he needs people who see things differently? What does that even mean? That's the in story reason? And wouldnt Laris have relevant expertise on a mission dealing with Tal Shiar and Zhat Vash operatives?
No, she needs to look after the grapes. And from the nuns he needed someone who is good in a fight? He can't think of anyone who might fit that except the Romulan nuns? Seven and Hugh are involved, since there was a story reason. Ok. I agree. But there are not story reasons for Crusher when he needed someone who knows his medical history and served with him to do and interpret the tests? It is lazy and dumb.