>>8039861pretty sure Picard third season had different writers and different show runner than the previous two. But compare all of picard season two to the TNG episode "The Outcast." And before anyone mentions Janeway being captain....LaForge's mom was a captain on TNG and the same actress was a captain in 'The Voyage Home,' but uncredited for some reason.
The presentation of matters is what needs to be balanced. The old guard, I believe, knew how to do that. There could've been a more balanced way for Picard's message on, e.g., immigration to be more palatable for audiences; but that alone is a load issue
