So many ``strong women'' in sci-fi are really strong men in women's bodies.

Yes, and I hate that. That's what I think of Yar, Pulaski (a female McCoy), etc. I liked Crusher and thought she had "strength", but not the kind those other characters (that I didn't like) tried to employ. Seven, OTOH, seemed be possess a masculine strength without being annoying. Sure she was half machine, but at least she was interesting. And actually I didn’t find her that attractive. Sometimes big breasts are just big breasts.

As for the DS9 women, perhaps I just need to give the show a chance. I plan on buying the DVDs some day so I can view them in order, but that'll be after I finish TNG and do B5.