What makes DS9 so popular?

Been watching all the series in release order for the first time as a complete newbie to Trek. Watched TOS, TAS and the movies in 2022; followed by TNG, DS9 and VOY in 2023. Nearly finished ENT, and I’ve realised that my assessment of each series seems to vary quite a bit from general consensus.

Whilst yes, I enjoyed DS9 a fair bit, I never saw what everyone else saw in it. I’ve seen it acclaimed as being both a triumph of meta textual storytelling and more serialised, thoughtful storytelling. However, I just sorta found it to be good. Perhaps it’s because I never really got attached to Sisko in the same way I did with other captains.

People seem to praise the series for its darker tone and handling of more complex themes and characters. However, I’d say that those themes and characters don’t often work as well as they could. So much of DS9 feels like big ideas and concepts brought to life with a noticeable sterility and overall lack of “oomph”. Whilst characters like Kira and Odo feel fully utilised, complex and unique in all the ways they should; I don’t feel as though the rest of the cast is handled quite as well.

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of Starfleets morality, I’d even go so far as to say that ENT far outdoes DS9 in terms of writing. Sure that show has a myriad of issues as well and isn’t as fondly remembered, but I just feel that it tackles these things far better than DS9.

Is there something I’m missing? Should I watch it again? Please explain why this is such a well-loved show