One of best-regarded episodes of ST:TNG was about a Starfleet cyberneticist's attempt to essentially vivisect Lt. Commander Data. When Data refuses to give consent, he's taken to court to determine if he is really a person, or merely a thing which is property of Starfleet. Note this isn't a "rogue Starfleet officer" type-deal. It's official, chain-of-command, ending in a courtroom battle.
The reason given for the invasive and potentially harmful study of Data is the promise of creating many more Datas, i.e. a race of rights-less chattel slaves who can be sent into dangerous situations without no further concern. Well, except maybe cost.
Star Trek is Star Trek because these situations work out in the end. Which, as someone else pointed out, it did for the tardigrade!
BTW, I completely agree about Lorca leaving Mudd. Didn't like it, wasn't necessary. Reminded me of an unsuccessful scene from GoT. Having Lorca pause to consider leaving Mudd during the escape, then failing while attempting to rescue him would have been enough.
I also agree about the general unpleasantness in some of the characters interactions. But that's changing. Stamets is really wonderful once he starts microdosing (err, macrodosing?) shrooms. I can't say all the character development is being handled gracefully, but it's clear after 7 episodes the season is going to be more than "unrepentantly unpleasant people... IN SPAAAACE".
edit: the 7th episode is delightful. They should make a rule that from now on, every time travel or time loop episode must feature a snarky theatrical antagonist. Also disco lights! And beer pong! More Wyclef or maybe The Fugees would be cool, too.
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