A big problem with shows -especially sci-fi ones- arises when the producer/studios/whoever has the money, spout their 'hmm...this is too cerebral' crap.
So, they dumb it down to their level, which 'may' lead to a loss of writers and/or actors but, invariably, -will- lead to a loss of ratings and, ultimately, cancellation.
I loved Andromeda but it just wasn't the same after the writer left in season three. I just wish his parting gift would've been a script that saw Beca die a horrible death :/
Also, Farscape, while I did continue watching to the end, the show was better with Xan (Zan?) around.