I always got the feeling that the sex-pest aspect was an intentional diplomatic tool she used. Her overt sexuality made others uncomfortable and would give her an edge in negotiations with others because they are distracted by their discomfort. In some episodes she drops that facade and you see the woman underneath. Early on, she was a somewhat flat and undeveloped character, but she grew to be well rounded and fascinating.

Overall it did get to that point. My favorite was when they explored senior rights and respect for abrasive cultural customs in that episode where she falls for a scientist who can save his planet from destruction.

Is Majel a previous Star Trek actor like that one ship doctor fron TNG ? You can feel her influence on it, she had to have had some pull in the writing room with the performance she was bringing to the table. She's way too good to let that character be relegated to only a punchline