I wonder why J. J. Abrams decided to stray so far from the canon - it was in areas that really wouldn't have affected those who don't already know the near sacred storylines, but it would have prevented the diehard fans (of which I count myself) feel a bit cheated. Here is my list of issues I take with the current film and possible solutions that I think would have made the film great:
1. Kirk's Nature and Morality - I hated that old Spock instigated the Kirk/Spock friendship. It should have evolved through mutual respect or shared experiences rather than coercive manipulation. It wasn't even necessary that they form a bond in this film - just plant the seed of a future friendship at this point would have worked just fine. Spock was the first Vulcan in star fleet. It would be reasonable that they resent and don’t understand him, but they respect his sacrificing nature (of which would be completed in Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan).
2. Some strange logic choices – why did Kirk and Sulu jump onto platform rather than just beaming to it? Why did Sulu choose to fight with swords? I guess I could let this one go since his phaser fell off the platform, but it felt a bit contrived.
3. Leonard Nimoy as Spock seemed out of character - Old spock seemed nostalgic and emotional. I could accept this if he had a line of coming to terms with living with his human nature or some explanation for change in character. At least that way, it would be viewed as the Spock character will eventually come to terms with his duality.
4. Kobayashi Maru – I hated the motivation for why Kirk cheated. A better explanation would have been because of his obsessive drive to succeed and never fail. I think they could have made it something like the fact that no one ever wins it was the reason he cheated. Not to impress a girl!
5. Canon Problems – Spock’s mom should not have died. I hated the fact that some of the very favorite episodes do not exist in this re-telling. Vulcan should have either been restored or not fully destroyed like the earth. If they tampered with the old story line so much, they could have just allowed Shatner to reprise his Kirk character to let the original fans enjoy this tribute a bit. I think they could have made a few minor nods to fans – red shirt guy dies.
6. Science errors - Ice monsters were cool, but Kirk is an alien in their environment. He would have no chance being an alienate in an environment where the other animals have evolved. It is like a scuba diver seeing a seal underwater. On land, seals are clumsy and awkward where we are agile. In the water, we are clumsy and awkward but they are sleek and powerful. That is because of how we evolved to our respective environments. The aliens on the ice planet would have made easy work of a poor Kirk. So, the solution - Kirks ingenuity saves him from certain death (rather than he outruns the monsters).
7. Not that big a fan of Chris Pine - the new Kirk actor. I think others could have done it better. I just don't feel he embodied the charisma, and most importantly, the humanity of Shatner's Kirk. He did fine in the reckless department, but someone as passionately humanistic as Shatner's Kirk was would certainly have had those values infused into their very being at all cost. He should got into fights protecting someone else who was wronged. That would have fit in better.
8. Musically speaking, though a serviceable score, it was not virtuosic as is the tradition of the Star Trek series and movies. And more unforgiveable, the music completely lacked any sense of wonder that is infused in all Star Trek.
9. I didn’t like that most of the characters inherit their roles and responsibilities through the death of their superiors rather than working their way up the ladder. Surely someone of the crew should have worked their way up the ladder, no?
10. Some of the writing was too contrived - I didn't like that Spock was like “I relieve myself of duty” and a minute later – “reporting for duty” because Sarek asked him how he feels.
In summary, they should have consulted the original writers - D.C. Fontana for an hour could have explained some of the origins of the ideas that could have helped keep the timeline intact and introduced a whole new generation of fans without alienating the old diehard fans. The alternatives to the story I suggest would not have weakened it one bit, but would have added to what fans LOVE about Star Trek. I am a huge J. J. Abrams fan. I think his movie is good overall, but it is NOT Star Trek and it misses opportunities to have been great.