Personally, I would interpret the actions as general and device-like rather than exactly literal of a particular character
obviously you want a coherent sense of each particular entity but actually star trek is, and has always typically been metaphorical and individually moralised or principled.
Quark is the obvious character to relay this message due to the nature of his culture. The message that exploitation is not ok. But also that he (and we) are a victims of cultural programming and require a kick up the ass sometimes to realise the most obvious of things.
Quark doesn't exist. we know that really. but the message does have a very real and serious basis. And I feel that's what's important in Star Trek. x
Shout by NyxBlockedParent2022-07-05T00:58:14Z— updated 2024-01-06T02:46:38Z
Ohhhh I hated this episode so much! Not because it reveals anything we didn't already know about the Ferengi, but because it further tarnishes Quark's already shady character.
Yes, we know that he is written to be a misogynist, blinded by this Ferengi cultural stain, but we really didn't need a reminder. It casts a shadow on every positive thing he's ever said or done. Here we are reminded that he learned nothing from Pel and he learned nothing from his mother, yet, he is in awe of powerful (non Ferengi) women like Grilka, Dax and Kira.
All this episode does is remind us that Quark is a cowardly little man who holds firm to his cultural customs to hold firm to his latinum. He'll lose the lace to keep the profit every time.