Well the big difference is that they are star fleet cadets and not Tori Spelling. :) I see what you mean, though. I don't think Dawson's Creek in the Star Trek universe is what anyone wants. I still think if done right, this could be a big hit. The cadets at Starfleet Academy are there because they are the best and brightest minds, with aspirations to become starfleet officers not some high school bimbo driving daddy's Mercedes and hanging out at the mall. Think Nova Squadron, Basic Warp Design, and a Military Academy as opposed to Beverly Hills high school, prom, and cellphones.

I think it would be a nice twist if they created a new show about Starfleet Academy. Set it in the post Nemesis Star Trek universe so as not to step on the toes of either TOS, TNG, or the JJ Abrams reboot. The story could follow the life of a select group of cadets through the rigors and trials of attending and graduating from the Academy. Would definitely allow them to provide a more 'human' look at the Star Trek universe while still getting technical enough to appease the Trekkies. Another benefit is that at the end of the show's run at the Academy, we would have a new crew, fresh out of the Academy to put on a starship for a 5 year mission and see them grow through the ranks.