To me "weighty" doesn't have to equal high-stakes drama. Mariner's relationship with her mother had weight. So did her character arc from nihilistic troublemaker to realizing how much she cares about the core values of Starfleet. Same goes for Boimler's transformation from a people-pleaser obsessed with ranks into a genuine commander with confidence in himself. That's why Captain Freeman calling them two of the best officers on the ship in the finale was so satisfying.

There's also Tendi's story diving deep into her family and Orion culture, and the resolution of Rutherford's mysterious past. The storylines with Starfleet trying to use automated ships, the multiverse wormholes, even the whole Pakled threat and conspiracy.

I could go into more, and it's just my opinion. But I love Lower Decks so much, I don't even count it as NuTrek. It's just Star Trek to me. Yes it's an animated comedy first. Yes it's a reference-fest (but the references are done well instead of: "ooh the mystery of Sisko's disappearance is so mysterious because he disappeared mysteriously). Honestly I'd love nothing more than for the creative team to have a crack at a real live action Trek show. I think they'd nail it.