Things have definitely changed though not startling so.
Romulus is indeed whole, was it gone in your world too? That is possible, I wouldn't rule out alternative universes with everything that we've experienced on our trip and everyone else for that matter two. I believe there is infinite number of possibilities so infinite number of universes. Perhaps, what was the original one like?
Absolutely, we wouldn't have survived so long if we couldn't. Or survive the reminder of the trip as it was. That's true, if you don't like exploration or new experiences you wouldn't last.
It truly is, yes.
I hope so, I know they are working on it which is something.