Star Trek Fans on AF.org

[AFTT47]

When the Ferengi started appearing on DS9 they were a much improved species, even if they were only used for comic relief.

Inventing the Rules of Acquisition and introducing the Grand Nagus, played by Wallace Shaun (sp?), probably still best known for The Princess Bride ("Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line!") really filled out the species.

And, of course, the episode, "The Magnificent Ferengi", was a highlight.

I agree the Ferengi were much-improved on DS9. I think though that they should have been more portrayed as a major interstellar power. I don't know why people had a hard time taking them seriously. They had a four-lobed brain (compared to two-lobed in humans) which obviously massed a greater proportion of their body weight compared to hew-mans or most other species. Their history was considerably less bloody compared to most Alpha-Quadrant species. Despite not being a major developer of technology, their wily negotiating skills left them in possession of tech at least as advanced as any of the major powers. They took a different path than most other species but they finished pretty close to the winner's line. I think they should be afforded much more respect.

And yeah, "The Magnificent Ferengi" does as much to put a smile on my face as the more delightful and whimsical episodes of any of the other series did. I would put it in a class with TOS-The Trouble with Tribbles and VOY: Someone to Watch Over Me.