There is indeed something about the vibrant colors of TOS that isn't found in the other series. The DS9 episode where they went back to the TOS tribbles episode stands out because of the stark contrast between the look & feel of the two eras (
and I still say that DS9 episode did an amazing job integrating the DS9 cast into the TOS footage).
It may be an odd thought but I wonder if some the backlash against Discovery is that they went too dark with the look & feel of it to the point where it just doesn't 'feel' like a "Star Trek" show.