That was going to be my initial response to @avclub-0c3e626d1a287cdc48c77515c8dcc243:disqus.
"Captain Picard, the command test is supposed to be a simulation of sending a friend on a death mission. There was no need to use the actual Wesley Crusher with the holodeck safety protocols off."

Borg thinking: We've just violated your friend. We should parade him in front of you as an ambassador of good will.

Yeah, but Dukat would be Lady McBeth, which would be a bit much to take.

Sounds like a way to use up all the batteries on what might only be a feint. We don't know the power drain of continuous discharge versus pulses.

I disagree. (I've had this argument on some earlier episode.) The only reason Cardassia was annexed was to give the Founders a foothold in the Alpha Quadrant, and to show the neutral empires that they could be good neighbors. (Which worked, until those Dominon spies decided to blow up a Romulan Senator!)

**SPOILERS**
They do put a tiptoe outside the transporter box, with the episode starring Ezri in "Field of Fire" (otherwise known as ST:CSI-SVU-Profiler).

I was trying to imply what @avclub-0c3e626d1a287cdc48c77515c8dcc243:disqus said. The deal might have been as broad as "no Dominion ships that would threaten Bajor" (which would stay in effect until the end of the war), rather than "stop this one massive fleet".

I'm starting to wonder how, under the strain of leadership, Picard kept himself from smacking his bridge crew. He had to deal with face palms at Troi's suggestions, Riker's smug grin, Worf's ideas that he always shoots down… and that his relationship with Geordi is simulated friendship.

Sisko: "I really don't want to buy cable. Hold onto this satellite dish at all costs!" (Checks his PADD to see what is on next week's " @avclub-0c3e626d1a287cdc48c77515c8dcc243:disqus 's Mad Space Nine".)

Was it just a one-off? Since the Prophets have limited concept of time, their "one-off" could still be in effect.

Negotiating a trade agreement would not have stopped the war, as the Founders have very different priorities. But it is completely in character for Quark to believe that it was possible and a better solution than what the hu-mans were doing.

For his comment to Quark, Sisko *has* sent his son into combat (the god battle on the Promenade).

Arrgh, you beat me to it.
Taking this step definitely hints at what direction he is going.

For "Covenant", I think the writers did a good job of figuring out how Dukat would behave if he were a cult leader. What was less convincing is how making Dukat a cult leader is the best use of his character.

Commodore Decker rules!
When he defeated the red shirt security dude, he wasn't stronger or better, just more devious. (*cough* *backhand to face*)

Was disappointed that the DS9 review fell off the "What's On Tonight?" list.

Closing shot: A single virus has survived. It is about to reproduce, when Liam Neeson in a laser-armed sub zooms in. (He has been miniaturized and entered his own body to finish the job.)

Hamlin's L.A. Law image fed in nicely for his Aaron Echolls character on Veronica Mars.

I thought it was "Shia LaBeouf's Marvel's The Avengers".

"YOUR BIOLOGICAL DISTINCTIVENESS WILL BE ADDED TO OUR OWN."