I don’t know, I think it could go in many ways, but yes, most outcomes are AI wiping us out because I think that’s what should happen (like the Matrix). I believe genetically enhanced biorobots with transferable consciousnesses are our evolutionary future.

I agree. I would argue even TOS (and Enterprise) showed us bad actors were possible within the Federation, just as TNG did (and it’s evident in the movies). It was in DS9 that we learn of Section 31 right but they must’ve existed before. In all cases, the Federation itself is okay, bureaucratic perhaps but its ideals…