I was watching The Ready Room recently, the show that Will Wheaton hosts to dissect Picard, and according to Jeri Ryan, she suggested the lesbian arc. I don't deny that it's a fanboy wet dream, but I don't think that was her purpose. I think she just thought it would be a fun and interesting new wrinkle for the character.

But yes, so glad that the franchise continues and I look forward to a new show with Seven as the captain of the Enterprise G.