Mostly will fallow the SVers, due to limited knowledge, but
WARNING: Know very little about "Star Trek" so take everything with (SOME) grain of salt:
Why Eliksni might be ~~OK in this universe? My speculations:
- Physically even when starved (aka Dregs) they're very strong, agile and (somewhat) aware of their surroundings
- As species they are very hardy and adaptable (you could find them nigh-everywhere: Earth, Mars, Moon, Reef...)
- Technologically, they might have some 'stumbles', but it more or less makes them a important(?) player (though most everyone are technologically behind the Borg...)
- And in truth Eliksni intelligence, and technology is a serious threat (case in point: S.A.B.E.R.-2 => a, pretty much, jury-rigged specific purpose machine that could DEFEAT FRIKKING RASPUTIN)
so, Eliksni, if correctly guided, can be one of important players in "Star Trek"
BUT, I'm have some negative-view on the Federation:
– Partially totalitarian
– Little respect for other species culture...
IF I said something wrong, please don't take it to heart.