Neo-Constitution nostalgia versus Intrepid and Excelsior II

The Neo-Constitution is judged to offer little that existing ships do better, and the older Intrepid is preferred. Its appearance is interpreted as an appeal to audience nostalgia. The Excelsior II receives a more favourable assessment because it is substantially larger than its predecessor and offers a more capable next-generation cruiser. Repeated Constitution names, refits and variants also create confusion about which design is under discussion. A count of thirteen Constitution variants in the prime timeline is offered as an illustration of that proliferation.