In the original series the galaxy is a very dangerous place. Many starships don't survive their five year missions. Kirk survives through guile, a brilliant science officer and the ability to talk computers into self destruction. (And seducing female baddies

) Meeting more powerful foes is pretty par for the course. If the Enterprise just flexes her muscles and wins, do we have a story? Yes, it happens, but usually at the end of the episode after the heroes have done their thing. Is that what you feel is missing?