I mean let’s be real here they had every right to be concerned. TNG had serious problems in the beginning and had some pretty big flaws even as the show got going. Off the top of my head
The first few episodes (besides Q) were straight trash. Even if you take out the ample racism and sexism, they still kinda suck
Worf didn’t become a thing until Yar died. He was just kinda there. Also his hair looked ridiculous
Riker was half as sexy in terms of looks and a quarter as sexy in terms of personality
Picard was a dick. Not firm but fair. A straight up dick.
They straight up got rid of crusher for a season
The Ferengi were awful. Not like in a “lol what shenanigans is Quark up to now” but in a “TOS Gorn” way