After the mistake of releasing this game I think that Star Trek Online changes its direction, and this change is for better, because it is just not possible to be worst then it already is. I think that this new additions will make the change necessary for this game to be put in the place it deserves.
It is hard to imagine that anything they do can make this game sink even lower, so I do agree with you that these new stuff they are trying so desperately to promote right now will make all the difference. You can clearly see that this game is changing its direction and it is going to meet some better games. I also heard that number of players is increasing and that is always a great sign, because that is the real reason why any game exists. I think that these changes should be firmly put in and there will be nothing to worry about in the future.