Re-launching the franchise isn't really an issue for me, as much as how they went about it.
Star Trek XI was
originally billed as a sort of "
prequel" for the previously existing material, and drummed up interest in it as such.
Now, it seems, after they managed to generate a fair amount of support and interest, they slip in "
Guess what, it's NOT really a prequel at all, but actually a complete relaunch of the franchise aimed at a younger audience instead".
I seem to recall that being called the old "Bait and Switch" routine....
If it had been billed as a relaunch, I'd have been fine with things as they are. Telling the existing fan-base that it's to be filmed as a prequel, one that would loyally try to stay canon no less, and then redefining it as a relaunch much later down the road smacks of manipulation to me.
If you're going to sell me a cat, sell me a cat. Don't bill it as a cat and then later sell me a dog, telling me it'd be better be younger people will like it more than a cat.
