Soldato
Yeah, but if they did that kind of thing now reviewers would be up in arms.
"It spoils the pacing, get back to the main story!"
"It's just pandering to fans of the old show!"
"Where's the action?"
"I don't get it because [reasons]."
Did fans do that when Bones appeared in TNG, then? what about when Scotty appeared? Spock? Picard had zero pacing, I doubt many people would have complained about some (decent) fan service.