We had more Bones ...However,

[Nyotarules]

I almost got the impression that he wasn't a big fan of the previous two movies. Basically nothing from STID was referenced and he couldn't wait to change how everything from the uniforms to the ship looked.

ITA apart from the reference to Prime Spock, STB stands alone and maybe that is what Ling wanted to do. I like all three movies even though my biggest beef is a main part of the plot, Kirk as Captain from ST09 still has me rolling down the aisles with laughter.

 

[captainkirk]

I like all three movies even though my biggest beef is a main part of the plot, Kirk as Captain from ST09 still has me rolling down the aisles with laughter.

I get why people have a problem with that, but I still remember watching the movie for the first time and thinking that I'll be very disappointed if it ends without Kirk becoming captain.

 

[Nyotarules]

I get why people have a problem with that, but I still remember watching the movie for the first time and thinking that I'll be very disappointed if it ends without Kirk becoming captain.

If the movie was set with Kirk as an experienced XO or Lt Commander saving the ship and the Federation then yes, I can understand the promotion, but for me it took some major stretch of my imagination to accept any cadet being a Captain. It made as much sense as making a cadet Admiral of the fleet. The message is the Federation defense is run by a bunch of fools..God help em!
My head canon in universe reason is the whole thing was a publicity stunt to increase recruitment in North America. Either that or Pike was Winona Kirk's secret lover.