DS9 was one ST series that got better as the seasons progressed. At least that’s how I remembered it, LOL. Sisko’s character growth was compelling, although I think it started going off the rails at the very end.
In DS9 you saw the Federation take more of a military role than previously. I think this continued further in some of the books even after the Dominion arc due to the ever encroaching and a more confrontational Borg.
DS9 is way more watchable than TNG.
When it comes to space stations, B5 is where I would rather be.