Let's repeat some of those statistics, because they are astounding . I suspect that total is higher. Every new episode has to compete with this massive body of work. Next Generation practically invented first-run dramatic syndication, and had the field almost exclusively to itself through most of its run. Paramount had wanted for decades to create its own network.
Professional wrestling is a step up.
The major league competition has simply been too fierce. Voyager got stuck with a black cloud of Bad Mojo because it dared to suit up with the Big Boys. Because it had no choice but to try. We the fans want fresh and new. We want to be surprised.