Together, DS9 and Babylon 5 are rightfully credited with innovating the long form series. What the kids today might call "binge worthy."

Their story arcs were known from the outset. Each (main) character has their own hero's journey and side quests. Both had satisfying endings.

Also, officially, Capt Sisko is the GOAT. With Capt Janeway placing a strong 2nd. Though Capt Pike (Strange New Worlds) is quite promising, but only time will tell.

Whereas Voyager has most of my most favorite episodes, esp wrt Ensign Kim, DS9's characters are legend, esp Quark. I couldn't pick a favorite DS9 character (or story), even on pain of death, because I cherish them all equally.

DS9 was both darker and more serialized than the other Trek shows. Like TNG (although perhaps not as extremely so) it also didn't really have the strongest start. Personally I think it's in the top one or two Trek series overall but it is distinct from the others.

You should force yourself through the first season or two. I promise the dominion war is worth it.

You're not alone, though maybe not for my reasons. The Next Generation's writers and directors protested the utopia that Gene Roddenberry had built in his mind, but I really appreciated the camaraderie and collaboration present within the characters. Deep Space Nine seemed to me to be a betrayal of the universe that TNG had prepared. I thought DS9 seemed very interesting as its own series, but it wasn't what I wanted as a fan of Star Trek.